There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, and let me tell you, my Best Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone is my go-to comfort food. There’s just something magical about the way the flavors meld together, especially with that savory ham bone. I remember the first time I made this soup; it was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I wanted something hearty that would cozy up the whole house. The aroma of simmering peas and herbs filled my kitchen, and before I knew it, it was a full-on family gathering around the dinner table.
What I love most about this recipe, though, is how easy it is to whip up. Plus, it’s a great way to use that leftover ham bone (because let’s be real, we all want to make the most out of our holiday feast, right?). So grab your apron and let’s dive into the comforting world of split pea soup!
What’s in Best Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone?
Dried Green Split Peas: The star of the show, these little gems are packed with protein and fiber. Rinsing and sorting them helps to ensure you get the best ones—plus, it’s just good housekeeping!
Ham Bone: Ideally, you want a meaty ham bone. It adds a deep, smoky flavor that is simply unbeatable. If you don’t have a bone on hand, about 2 cups of diced ham will work too.
Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth: I always go for low-sodium options here to control the saltiness of the soup and let the natural flavors shine. You can use homemade broth if you’ve got it on hand; if not, store-bought works just fine.
Water: Just to thin things out a bit, and it also helps the peas to cook perfectly.
Carrots, Onion, Celery, and Garlic: This classic mix of aromatics adds a wonderful depth of flavor. I love to chop my veggies small for even cooking.
Bay Leaf: Just one bay leaf can elevate your soup with its unique herbal flavor. Just don’t forget to take it out before serving!
Dried Thyme: A must-have herb for this recipe! It complements the ham and peas beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Always a staple in my kitchen, these are used to taste. I tend to go light initially and adjust as the soup cooks.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Not only does it add a lovely pop of color, but its freshness brightens up the soup wonderfully.
Is Best Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone Good for You?
Absolutely! This soup has plenty of health benefits to offer.
Split Peas: Packed with protein and fiber, they support digestive health and keep you feeling full longer. They’re also a great source of vitamins like folate and B6.
Ham: While adding delicious flavor, it also provides protein, but be mindful of the sodium content if you’re using store-bought broth!
The only thing to consider is that while this soup is nutritionally dense, it can be high in sodium if not prepared with low-sodium broth. So I always recommend tasting as you go and adjusting accordingly!
Ingredients
– 1 lb dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
– 1 ham bone with meat (or about 2 cups diced ham)
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
– 4 cups water
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
*Serves: 6-8 bowls of hearty goodness.*
How to Make Best Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone?
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed split peas, ham bone, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and skim any foam that appears on the surface.
3. Add the diced carrots, onion, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir to combine.
4. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the split peas are tender and have broken down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Remove the ham bone from the pot. If there is any meat remaining on the bone, shred it and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
6. If you prefer a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup while leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion to a regular blender and blend, then return it to the pot.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Soup Secrets and Serving Suggestions
Okay, let’s chat about tweaking this recipe to make it your own!
– **Leftover Love:** If you happen to have any leftover vegetables—think potatoes or green beans—they can join the party too!
– **Herb Heaven:** Feel free to add other herbs like rosemary or dill for a twist. Just go easy; sometimes a hint is all you need.
– **Serving Suggestions:** This soup is perfect served with crusty bread or a light salad. You can even top with a dollop of sour cream for additional creaminess.
I hope you give this Best Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone a try! It’s comforting, delicious, and totally puts a smile on my face every time I make it. Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to share your own soup stories! Cooking should be fun, and I can’t wait to hear about your adventures in the kitchen! Enjoy!
