Save A hearty, comforting soup packed with smoky flavor from bacon and canned ham, perfect for chilly days.
Split pea soup always takes me back to winter evenings with my family gathered around, savoring bowls of steaming hot soup. It is a recipe I love making whenever I want something both hearty and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- Bacon: 4 oz (115 g), chopped
- Canned ham: 1 (12 oz/340 g) can, diced (reserve juices if possible)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Dried split peas: 1 lb (450 g), rinsed and sorted
- Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 L), low-sodium
- Water: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Bay leaf: 1
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon:
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Soften vegetables:
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add main ingredients:
- Add split peas, diced canned ham (plus juices if possible), chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until peas are very tender.
- Remove bay leaf and adjust texture:
- Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup for a creamy texture, if desired, or leave chunky.
- Season:
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with the reserved bacon.
Save This soup was requested by my kids after sledding, and every spoonful warmed us up. We love sharing it with friends during chilly evenings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with crusty bread or gluten-free crackers. Sprinkle chopped parsley or add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Ingredient Variations
Add diced potatoes for a heartier texture, or use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
Allergens & Nutrition
This recipe contains pork and celery, and may include gluten depending on ham or broth brands. Each serving offers 350 calories, 11g fat, 36g carbohydrates, and 23g protein.
Save This easy split pea soup makes chilly nights cozier and reheats beautifully for lunchtime leftovers.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I cook this split pea soup without the bacon and ham?
Yes, for a vegetarian twist, omit the meats and use vegetable broth instead. Adding smoked paprika can help replicate the smoky depth.
- → How do I achieve a creamy yet chunky texture?
After cooking, use an immersion blender to partially purée some of the soup, leaving the rest chunky for a satisfying mix of textures.
- → What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The soup will thicken as it cools; simply add broth or water when reheating to adjust consistency.
- → Can I add other vegetables for variation?
Absolutely. Diced potatoes or fresh chopped parsley make great additions to enhance flavor and texture.
- → What are suitable serving suggestions?
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or crackers to complement its smoky, savory flavors.