Easy Ham And Pea Soup Recipe

Soup has a magical ability to comfort, nourish, and satisfy all at once. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a craving for something warm and hearty, soup never fails to hit the spot. And when we talk about comfort food, few things are as reliably delicious as Ham and Pea Soup. This recipe has been a family favorite for generations, a go-to for using up leftover ham, and a surefire way to make your kitchen smell absolutely inviting.

There’s something about the combination of savory ham, sweet peas, and a rich, flavorful broth that just works. And while there are many variations of this classic, today we’ll be diving into a straightforward, easy-to-make recipe that ensures you get the best of both worlds: simple, satisfying, and loaded with flavor.

Let’s break down the essentials of this delightful dish and guide you through a step-by-step recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Easy Ham And Pea Soup Recipe

This is a no-fuss recipe that uses minimal ingredients and takes very little prep time, but still delivers that hearty, comforting bowl of goodness we all love. You’ll have it on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or even a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients Needed

• Ham: About 2 cups of ham (preferably leftover from a holiday or dinner).
• Frozen peas: 4 cups of frozen peas, which will add sweetness and texture to the soup.
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, chopped finely to give the soup a touch of sweetness and color.
• Onion: 1 medium onion, diced for that savory, aromatic base.
• Celery: 2 stalks of celery, chopped into small pieces. Celery gives a nice crunch and subtle flavor.
• Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced to add a layer of flavor.
• Broth: 4 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you prefer).
• Bay leaves: 2 leaves to infuse the soup with a herby, earthy flavor.
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme) for that perfect aromatic touch.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste for seasoning, of course. Be sure to taste the broth and adjust accordingly.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces, chop the carrots, celery, and onion, and mince the garlic. Measure out your peas and broth, and set them aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil (olive oil or butter works great). Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and the kitchen smells delightful. This will form the flavorful base of your soup.
3. Add the ham: Toss in the diced ham and let it cook with the vegetables for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The ham will start to release some of its savory juices, which will make the soup even richer.
4. Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the thyme, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes. This allows all the ingredients to blend together, creating a rich, savory broth.
5. Add the peas: Add the frozen peas to the pot and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes. This step helps the peas soften and release their sweetness into the soup.
6. Final seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you want a richer flavor, you can also add a dash of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of brightness.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for a perfect meal.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this soup serves a specific purpose, contributing to the overall texture and flavor. Here’s a closer look at why these ingredients work so well together:

• Ham: It’s the star of the show, of course! Ham provides that hearty, savory backbone, making the soup feel substantial and filling. It also infuses the broth with a rich, salty flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Frozen peas: Peas are the natural counterpoint to ham’s saltiness. Their sweetness balances out the richness of the broth and adds a slight burst of freshness in every spoonful.
• Carrots and celery: These two vegetables not only add texture but also deepen the flavor profile of the soup. Carrots lend sweetness, while celery adds a subtle earthiness that ties the soup together.
• Broth: The base of any great soup is its broth. Chicken broth brings a savory, slightly meaty flavor that perfectly complements the ham. Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter version, but chicken broth is typically preferred for its richness.
• Herbs and spices: Thyme and bay leaves add a subtle, earthy fragrance to the soup, while garlic gives it depth and complexity. A little salt and pepper enhance all of these flavors.

Expert Tips

To elevate your Ham and Pea Soup to the next level, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:

• Use leftover ham: This is the best way to make the soup even more delicious and economical. If you have leftover ham from a holiday or family dinner, it’s the perfect addition to this soup.
• Add a splash of cream: For a creamier version of this soup, you can stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will give the soup a velvety texture without overwhelming the flavors.
• Smoked ham: If you’re looking for a deeper, more robust flavor, use smoked ham. It adds a nice smoky kick to the soup, enhancing the savory broth.
• Simmer longer for a more intense flavor: If you have the time, simmer the soup for an hour or more. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop and deepen.
• Frozen peas are a great option: Don’t worry about using fresh peas. Frozen peas hold up well in soups and give you that perfect balance of sweetness.

Recipe Variations

This Ham and Pea Soup recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to make it your own. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Split Pea Soup: Use dried split peas instead of frozen peas for a more traditional variation of ham and pea soup. Just be sure to soak the split peas overnight before using them.
• Add potatoes: For a heartier soup, add diced potatoes. They’ll cook down and help thicken the soup, making it even more filling.
• Spicy Ham and Pea Soup: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the soup. The spiciness will add an exciting contrast to the richness of the ham.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add extra vegetables like zucchini or squash to make it more robust.
• Add a grain: For more texture, you can stir in some cooked rice or quinoa toward the end of cooking. This adds some hearty grainy goodness to the soup.

Final Words

Whether you’re dealing with leftover holiday ham or just in the mood for a soul-warming bowl of soup, Ham and Pea Soup checks all the boxes. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. And with all the variations and tips to personalize it, this is one dish that will always keep you coming back for more.