Ham And Pea Soup Recipe

Ham and pea soup is one of those timeless, comforting dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s hearty, flavorful, and full of wholesome ingredients that come together to create something both simple and complex in flavor. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover ham from a holiday feast or just craving a warm, filling meal on a chilly evening, ham and pea soup is the perfect solution.

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Plus, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, making it not only satisfying but also nourishing. So, let’s dive into the recipe and explore everything you need to know to make a delicious batch of ham and pea soup from scratch.

This recipe brings together smoky ham, tender peas, and a medley of vegetables in a broth that’s savory and rich. The key to its success is slow simmering, which allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to prepare this wonderful soup:

Ingredients Needed

To make a perfect pot of ham and pea soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb dried split peas: This is the base of the soup. Split peas are hearty and absorb flavors wonderfully, making them perfect for soup.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing vegetables and adding a bit of richness to the soup.
1 medium onion: Finely chopped to add sweetness and depth to the base.
2 celery stalks: Diced to add crunch and flavor balance.
2 large carrots: Sliced or chopped; they add sweetness and color to the soup.
2 cloves garlic: Minced, to infuse the soup with aromatic flavor.
1 bay leaf: Adds subtle, earthy undertones.
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid base that’s key to a flavorful soup.
2 cups diced cooked ham: This is the star of the soup! Use leftover ham or buy ham steak, but make sure it’s cut into small pieces for easy eating.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: A wonderful herb that complements the ham and peas beautifully.
Salt and pepper: To taste. These will help balance out the flavors.
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: If you love a smoky kick, this is a perfect addition to enhance the depth of flavor.
Fresh parsley or chives (optional): For garnish, adding a fresh, green contrast to the rich soup.

Cooking Instructions

Making ham and pea soup is straightforward but requires a bit of patience to allow the flavors to develop. Here’s how to bring everything together:

Rinse the peas: Start by placing the split peas in a colander and rinsing them under cold water to remove any dust or impurities. Set them aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add garlic and seasonings: Toss in the minced garlic and thyme. Stir it around for 1 minute to allow the garlic to become fragrant. This helps infuse the oil with savory flavor.
Simmer the soup: Add the rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Cook the soup: Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 1-1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to make sure the peas aren’t sticking to the bottom. You’ll know the soup is done when the peas are tender and starting to break apart.
Add the ham: Once the peas are cooked, stir in the diced ham and continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of smoked paprika if you like a smoky flavor.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf, and ladle the soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down the ingredients a bit further to understand why they work so well together in this recipe:

Split Peas: They’re the perfect vehicle for absorbing all the flavors in this soup. Their texture softens and breaks down during cooking, creating a velvety, almost creamy texture. Plus, they’re a great source of fiber and protein.
Ham: Whether it’s leftover from a big holiday dinner or bought specifically for this soup, ham adds a savory, salty flavor that permeates the entire dish. The smoky flavor, in particular, pairs so well with the peas.
Carrots and Celery: These vegetables provide both flavor and texture, balancing the soup’s richness with a slight crunch. They also add natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with the saltiness of the ham.
Broth: The choice of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth is crucial. It serves as the base of the soup, and by choosing a lower-sodium version, you can control the overall saltiness of the dish while still getting the full savory flavor.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips from seasoned cooks to make your ham and pea soup even better:

Pre-soak the peas: If you have extra time, soak the split peas overnight to reduce cooking time and ensure they’re perfectly tender.
Use a ham bone: If you happen to have a leftover ham bone from your ham, toss it into the soup while it simmers! It will add even more depth of flavor, and the meat from the bone will fall off into the soup, giving it an extra punch of hammy goodness.
Adjust consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, add more broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to allow the peas to break down further and thicken the broth.
Blend it: For a creamier version, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender (be careful with hot liquid!). This creates a silky, smooth texture that still has some hearty chunks.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to get creative with this soup. Here are some variations to try:

Add potatoes: Throw in a couple of diced potatoes for extra heartiness. The potatoes will absorb the flavors and make the soup even more filling.
Spice it up: For those who like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the garlic.
Vegetarian option: If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to capture that same smoky flavor.
Herb variation: Feel free to swap out thyme for rosemary or add a dash of sage for a different herbaceous note.

Final Words

Ham and pea soup is more than just a meal-it’s a comforting dish that brings warmth to your kitchen and fills your stomach with satisfaction. The combination of smoky ham, tender peas, and hearty vegetables makes for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re making it with leftovers or preparing it from scratch, this recipe is a great go-to for those chilly evenings when you crave something rich and flavorful.

Ham And Pea Soup Recipe