This comforting pea and ham soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with sweet peas and tender ham, making it a perfect meal for chilly days.
Honestly, who can resist that lovely green color? I like to pair it with some crusty bread for dipping. It’s both hearty and super easy to whip up in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Split Peas: Dried split peas are key for this soup’s texture. If you can’t find them, dried lentils can work as a substitute, though cooking times will differ slightly.
Ham: Diced cooked ham adds flavor and protein. If you’re looking for a lighter version, diced turkey or even a vegetarian option like smoked tofu can be used instead.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth enhances the soup’s taste. If you’re low on broth, using water with extra seasoning works too. Homemade broth adds a nice touch if you have the time!
Vegetables: Onion, garlic, carrots, and celery build the foundation of flavors. Feel free to swap in shallots for a sweeter taste or add some diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
How Do I Get My Soup to the Perfect Consistency?
The texture can make or break your soup. After cooking the peas until soft, use an immersion blender. This tool allows you to puree directly in the pot, which is super handy! If you don’t have one, ladle some soup into a blender but be cautious—it’s hot!
- Blend to your desired smoothness, leaving some chunks for texture.
- If it’s too thick, add a little broth or water until you reach your liking.
Mixing a splash of cream or sour cream at the end can also elevate the richness of the soup without making it too thick. Enjoy your creamy masterpiece!
Pea and Ham Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh or frozen peas (for garnish)
- Optional: a dollop of cream or sour cream for richness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pea and ham soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 60-90 minutes to cook. It’s a wonderful dish to keep simmering on the stove while you do other things. Just let it gently bubble away until it’s perfectly creamy and flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies until they soften and the onions turn translucent, which should take about 5–7 minutes. This step builds a lovely flavor base!
2. Add the Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until you can smell the fragrant goodness filling the air.
3. Mix in the Peas and Broth:
Next, stir in the rinsed split peas, and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Toss in the bay leaf and, if you’re using it, the dried thyme to give your soup extra flavor.
4. Simmer Away:
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently, uncovered, for about 60–90 minutes. You want the peas to be very soft and starting to break down—you can see that lovely green color turn creamy!
5. Remove the Bay Leaf:
When the peas are soft, take out the bay leaf and discard it. Bay leaves add flavor but aren’t meant to be eaten.
6. Stir in the Ham:
Add the diced cooked ham to the pot and give it a good stir. It will add some heartiness to your soup!
7. Blend It Smooth:
Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until it’s smooth but still has a bit of texture. If you don’t have one of these handy, you can carefully transfer portions to a blender—just remember to let the steam escape to avoid any splatters!
8. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to season! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste your soup as you go to make sure it’s just right for you.
9. Add Creaminess (Optional):
If you want to make it even creamier, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream at this point. Yummy!
10. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with a few fresh or frozen peas and additional diced ham. A sprinkle of black pepper on top always looks pretty!
11. Enjoy with Bread:
Serve the soup hot with some crusty bread or rolls on the side for dipping. Nothing beats that combination!
Enjoy the rich, velvety texture and delicious ham flavor in every comforting spoonful of this delightful soup!
Can I Use Frozen Peas Instead of Dried Split Peas?
Frozen peas won’t work as a substitute for dried split peas in this recipe, as they have a different texture and cooking time. However, you can add fresh or frozen peas at the end for garnish or to enhance the soup’s color and sweetness!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that savory touch.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and it will last for about 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like potatoes, leeks, or even spinach for added nutrition. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as harder veggies may need a bit longer to soften.
