Imagine a cozy, chilly evening where you’re curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, and the aroma of a hearty, comforting soup fills the air. There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that brings so much comfort, and when it’s a classic like pea soup with a ham bone, it feels like a delicious hug. This recipe for Easy Pea Soup with Ham Bone is not just any soup-it’s a beautiful blend of flavors that’s rich, savory, and completely satisfying.
What makes this dish so wonderful is how simple it is to prepare, despite being packed with flavors that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours. The ham bone provides that smoky, savory depth that really sets this soup apart from a basic split pea soup, turning it into something that feels homemade and special. Plus, this recipe is highly customizable, so whether you’re a fan of more veggies or prefer a smoother texture, there’s a way to make this soup just right for you.
In this guide, we’re going to take you through the step-by-step process of making this classic soup from scratch. I’ll also share some ingredient insights, helpful tips, and even a few variations for those of you who like to experiment in the kitchen.
Easy Pea Soup With Ham Bone Recipe
This Easy Pea Soup with Ham Bone is as satisfying to make as it is to eat. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a bowl of this comforting soup ready in no time. So, let’s dive into the details and create a dish that’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients Needed
Before we get to the cooking instructions, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need. This is a pretty straightforward recipe, but there are a few key components that help elevate it. Here’s what you’ll need:
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1 ham bone with some leftover meat (about 1-2 pounds)
- The ham bone is the star of this soup. It infuses the broth with that rich, smoky flavor we all crave.
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1 Lb Dried Split Peas
- This is the base of the soup. Split peas are perfect for a creamy texture and absorb the flavor from the ham bone beautifully.
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1 Medium Onion, Diced
- Onions bring a mild sweetness and savory base to the soup. They break down as the soup simmers, contributing to the overall flavor depth.
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2 Carrots, Peeled And Diced
- Carrots add a subtle sweetness and some color to the soup, balancing out the salty ham and earthy peas.
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2 Celery Stalks, Diced
- Celery provides a bit of crunch and fresh flavor, helping to keep the soup from feeling too heavy.
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3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- Garlic is a flavor enhancer. It adds a little bite and helps marry all the other flavors in the pot.
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8 Cups Low-sodium Chicken Broth
- The broth is your soup’s foundation. Low-sodium is key here because you’ll be getting a lot of salt from the ham bone, so this keeps things balanced.
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1 Bay Leaf
- A couple of bay leaves add an earthy, herbal note to the broth, which works well with the peas and ham.
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Salt And Pepper To Taste
- The seasoning should be added carefully since the ham bone brings its own salty goodness. Taste and adjust as you go!
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Optional: Fresh Herbs Like Thyme Or Parsley
- Fresh herbs can elevate the soup with a burst of green freshness. I love adding a few sprigs of thyme while the soup cooks and finishing with some chopped parsley when serving.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s break down the cooking process step by step. It’s a super simple method, but don’t be fooled-this soup will taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
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Prepare The Ham Bone
If you’re using a leftover ham bone, make sure there’s still some ham attached to it. You want enough to infuse the soup with that delicious smoky flavor. If you don’t have a bone, you can substitute with a ham hock or even diced ham (but the bone is ideal for the rich broth).
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Sauté The Vegetables
In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step is crucial to developing the base flavors of the soup.
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Add The Split Peas And Broth
Pour in the dried split peas, followed by the chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure the peas are evenly distributed throughout the pot.
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Add The Ham Bone And Seasonings
Toss in your ham bone (or ham hock) along with the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. At this point, you can also add any fresh herbs if you’re using them.
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Simmer The Soup
Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The split peas will soften and break down, and the ham bone will release its rich, smoky flavor into the broth.
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Check The Consistency
As the soup simmers, give it a stir every so often. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the peas as they soften. If you like a smoother consistency, blend the soup with an immersion blender until it reaches your desired texture.
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Remove The Ham Bone And Season
Once the soup has reached the consistency you like, remove the ham bone from the pot. Let it cool slightly, and then shred any remaining meat from the bone. Return the shredded ham to the pot and stir everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of pepper, or even a piece of crusty bread. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this pea soup plays an important role in the final flavor and texture of the dish. Let’s take a moment to explore some key ingredients in more detail:
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Ham Bone
The ham bone is more than just a source of protein; it’s the flavor powerhouse. When simmered for a long time, the bone releases collagen and fat, which helps create a rich, silky texture in the broth. The saltiness from the bone will also add a depth of flavor that can’t be replicated with regular stock alone.
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Split Peas
Split peas are a humble legume, but they’re perfect for soups because they break down into a creamy consistency. The mild, earthy flavor of split peas acts as the perfect backdrop for the savory ham, soaking up all the flavors from the broth.
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Broth
I prefer to use low-sodium chicken broth because it provides a nice balance of flavor without overwhelming the soup with salt. The broth helps to extract the flavors from the ham bone and gives the soup that comforting, liquid base.
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Carrots, Celery, And Onion (Mirepoix)
This classic combination is the base for so many soups. It’s the first step in building flavor. When sautéed, the veggies release natural sugars and become soft, giving the soup a delicate sweetness that balances out the savory ham and peas.
Expert Tips
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Make It Ahead Of Time
Like many soups, this one actually gets better after sitting for a day or two. If you have time, make it in advance and let it sit in the fridge overnight. The flavors will deepen and meld together.
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Adjust Consistency
If the soup gets too thick after sitting, simply add a bit more broth or water when reheating. Stir to bring back that creamy texture.
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Don’t Skip The Bay Leaves
They may seem like a small ingredient, but bay leaves add a subtle but important earthy flavor to the soup. Just remember to remove them before serving!
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Use A Pressure Cooker
If you want to speed things up, you can use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Simply sauté the veggies as directed, then cook the soup under high pressure for about 30-40 minutes, depending on your model.
Recipe Variations
Pea soup is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with it. Here are a few variations to try:
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Vegetarian Version
Skip the ham bone and opt for a hearty vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like potatoes, leeks, or parsnips for more texture and flavor. A dash of smoked paprika can help bring that smokiness to the dish.
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Spicy Kick
If you enjoy a bit of heat, toss in a diced jalapeño or some red pepper flakes to add a spicy edge. This pairs well with the creamy peas and savory ham.
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Add More Greens
Add a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a burst of color and nutrients. The greens will soften and blend right into the soup.
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Use Different Meats
If you don’t have a ham bone, you could use a smoked turkey leg or even leftover chicken bones. They will still provide a savory depth of flavor to the soup.
Final Words
This Easy Pea Soup with Ham Bone is one of those meals that feels like it’s been passed down through generations, each pot of soup representing warmth, comfort, and home. The combination of split peas, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables creates a balanced, flavorful soup that is satisfying without being too heavy.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a recipe to make in advance for a busy week, this soup is perfect. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham and reduce food waste, all while creating something that the whole family will enjoy.