Name: Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 large sweet onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups dried yellow split peas, rinsed and picked over; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 tbsp fresh thyme; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 ½ cups chopped cooked ham; Salt, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 1 review

If you have a craving for something hearty, nourishing, and full of comforting flavors, this Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s a luscious blend of tender yellow split peas, smoky ham, and fresh vegetables that meld together into a creamy, soul-warming dish. Each spoonful carries a wonderful balance of savory depth and vibrant freshness, making it a true favorite for chilly days or anytime you need a bowl of cozy goodness. The recipe is straightforward yet delivers incredible layers of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds and maybe even thirds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of ingredients arranged neatly on a dark textured surface, changed to white marbled texture. There are ten white bowls with different ingredients: the top left bowl holds bright orange diced carrots, next to it a bowl with yellow split peas; below the carrots is a bowl filled with pink diced ham; below that, a bowl of finely chopped white sweet onion. In the center is a small bowl of chopped green celery. To the right of celery, a small bowl contains fresh green thyme leaves, and below it, another bowl holds bright green chopped parsley. Below the parsley, a small bowl has black pepper, and near the bottom left side, a bowl with golden yellow extra virgin olive oil is placed. In the middle below the celery, small separate items include a single brown bay leaf, a small wooden container of salt, and a small white bowl with minced light yellow garlic. A larger bowl containing light golden chicken broth is positioned right of the center. The overall setup is clean and organized. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple staples is your first step toward a satisfying bowl of Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from adding sweetness and crunch to building the rich base and injecting that irresistible smokiness.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the vegetables for a smooth texture.
Large sweet onion (diced): Gives a natural sweetness that balances the earthiness of the peas.
Carrots (peeled and diced): Provide a gentle crunch and lovely color contrast.
Celery stalks (diced): Bring a fresh, aromatic bite that enhances the soup’s overall depth.
Garlic (minced): Infuses a subtle warmth and complexity with every bite.
Dried yellow split peas (rinsed and picked over): The star ingredient, creating the creamy, hearty body of the soup.
Chicken broth: Forms a flavorful liquid base that ties all the elements together.
Bay leaf: Offers a layer of herbal fragrance that lingers pleasantly.
Fresh thyme: Adds a touch of bright, earthy notes.
Black pepper: Gives subtle heat and rounds out the flavors.
Chopped cooked ham: Injects a smoky, savory richness that’s simply irresistible.
Salt (to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors in the soup.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness at the end.

How to Make Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and let them soften gently for about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is key for building the soup’s flavor foundation as the veggies release their natural sweetness and tenderize beautifully. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute so it doesn’t burn but releases its lovely aroma.

Step 2: Combine the Soup Base

Next, stir in the washed split peas along with the chicken broth, bay leaf, fresh thyme, and a pinch of black pepper. This combination starts the magic—the split peas swell and soften while the herbs and spices infuse the broth with delightful complexity. Give everything a good stir to marry all these flavors together.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Partially cover with a lid and let the soup cook for about 75 minutes. As it simmers, be sure to stir every now and then to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. If the soup thickens up too much, just add a little extra broth or water to keep a perfect consistency.

Step 4: Add the Ham

Once the peas have softened and started breaking down, stir in your chopped cooked ham. Let the soup continue cooking for another 15 minutes. The ham warms through and releases its smoky richness into the pot, enriching the texture and flavor. This step really elevates the soup into the comfort-food masterpiece it is.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Remove the bay leaf and give the soup a taste. Adjust with salt and more black pepper as you like to round out the flavors perfectly. This final seasoning tweak is essential to make the soup truly sing.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Your Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe is ready to warm you up from the inside out!

How to Serve Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe

A white pot filled with a thick yellow soup mixed with small pieces of orange, green, and brown vegetables. On top of the soup, there is a pile of small, pink, cubed meat pieces gathered mostly on the right side. Around the pot on the white marbled surface, there is a white bowl with chopped green herbs on the left side, a small stack of round crackers near the top center, and a white bowl with a bit of light pink inside it on the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds a hit of color and light herbal brightness. You could also try a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for texture. A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt can add creaminess and a slight tang to balance the savory notes.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls that soak up every last bit. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast, while roasted root vegetables can boost the autumnal flair of your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or individual mini Dutch ovens if you have them. Adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top and briefly broiling it can create a delectable golden crust that’s hard to resist. You can also turn this recipe into a thick stew-like dish by cooking it down even further for spoonable perfection.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to develop even more, making each reheated portion taste just as good if not better.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency after refrigeration or freezing. Avoid boiling to keep the soup’s creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use green split peas instead of yellow?

Absolutely! Green split peas work just as well and will give the soup a slightly earthier flavor, but the cooking time and process remain the same.

Do I have to use ham, or can I make this soup vegetarian?

If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor.

How thick should the soup be?

Split pea soup should be thick and creamy but still ladle-able. If it gets too thick during cooking, just stir in extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Can I use canned split peas instead of dried?

Dried split peas are best because they break down and thicken the soup naturally, but if you’re pressed for time, canned split peas can work—just adjust cooking times accordingly and reduce added broth.

What side dishes go best with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, simple green salads, or roasted veggies make perfect companions to complement this hearty, flavorful soup.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a bowl of Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe that just feels like a warm hug. With its rich, smoky notes and fresh veggie sweetness, it’s a meal that comforts and nourishes in equal measure. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you might just find it becoming your go-to comfort food during cooler days or whenever you want a taste of home-cooked love.