Ham Hock Pea Soup Recipe

Ham hock pea soup is one of those classic comfort dishes that embodies hearty warmth and rich flavors. This soul-satisfying bowl of goodness often takes people back to childhood memories, long family dinners, or cozy winter nights. What makes it even better is that it combines a handful of humble ingredients and simple techniques to create something really extraordinary. The smoky depth from the ham hock, the earthiness of the peas, and the aromatic herbs and vegetables make each spoonful feel like a taste of nostalgia.

The beauty of ham hock pea soup is that it’s forgiving and flexible. Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, it’s a great dish for beginners and seasoned chefs alike. The slow-cooked flavors build over time, and the end result is a rich, velvety texture that feels like a warm hug for your stomach.

Now, let’s get into the recipe and break down all the components for you.

Ingredients Needed

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. This is a straightforward recipe, but every item plays a pivotal role in crafting that full, rounded flavor.

1 Ham Hock

This is the star of the show. Ham hocks are rich in flavor and give the soup a distinct smokiness. You can find them at most butcher shops or in the meat section of your local grocery store.
2 Cups Split Peas

Yellow or green, both work well. Split peas break down beautifully as they cook, creating that creamy texture in the soup.
1 Onion

A medium yellow onion, finely chopped. Onions provide a base for the soup’s flavor, adding a mild sweetness and savory depth when cooked.
3 Carrots

Peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces. Carrots add a natural sweetness and color, balancing the richness of the ham.
2 Celery Stalks

Diced. Celery adds a slight crunch and a fresh, herbal undertone to the soup.
3 Garlic Cloves

Minced. Garlic is essential for that aromatic kick that complements the smoky ham hock.
6 Cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth

For a lighter, more balanced base. You can adjust this amount depending on how thick or brothy you prefer the soup.
1 Bay Leaf

A subtle but crucial flavor enhancer. The bay leaf will release its herbal oils during cooking, adding complexity to the soup.
1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme

A classic herb that pairs perfectly with ham and peas. Thyme gives the soup an earthy, slightly floral note.
Salt And Pepper

To taste. Since ham hocks can be quite salty, be sure to season the soup carefully, adding salt gradually.
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

For sautéing the vegetables. Olive oil helps soften the onions, carrots, and celery, bringing out their sweetness.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the heart of the matter-cooking up this delicious ham hock pea soup!

Prep The Ingredients

Start by dicing the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Rinse the split peas thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Set everything aside.
Sauté The Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and start to release their natural sweetness. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Add The Ham Hock And Broth

Next, toss in the ham hock along with the chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring everything to a simmer. As the broth heats up, the ham hock will start to infuse the liquid with its smoky flavor.
Cook The Peas

Add the split peas to the pot and stir to combine. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The peas will break down and thicken the soup, while the ham hock continues to cook and impart its flavors.
Check The Soup

Every 30 minutes or so, give the soup a stir and check the liquid level. Add more broth or water if necessary to maintain your preferred consistency.
Remove The Ham Hock

After 1.5 to 2 hours, the ham hock should be fully cooked, and the meat will start to fall off the bone. Carefully remove the hock from the soup. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bone and return it to the pot.
Season And Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf, and the soup is ready to serve.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this ham hock pea soup has a unique contribution, so let’s take a closer look at what each one brings to the table:

Ham Hock

This tough cut of meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after long, slow cooking. The connective tissue breaks down into gelatin, which gives the soup a silky texture. It also adds that smoky, savory backbone.
Split Peas

Split peas are great at absorbing flavors and breaking down into a creamy consistency when cooked. They’re also packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients, making them a great addition to any soup.
Carrots And Celery

These vegetables, often referred to as "mirepoix" in French cooking, form the flavor foundation for many soups and stews. They balance the richness of the ham and provide a slight sweetness to contrast the savory depth.
Garlic

Garlic is a flavor powerhouse that enhances every other ingredient. It brings warmth and aromatic intensity to the soup.

Expert Tips

To get the absolute best results when making your ham hock pea soup, consider these expert tips:

Use A Smoked Ham Hock

If possible, look for a smoked ham hock, as the smoky flavor it imparts is essential to the authenticity of the dish. You can also add a few drops of liquid smoke if you prefer a more intense flavor.
Soak The Split Peas

While not necessary, soaking the peas for a few hours before cooking can reduce cooking time and help with digestion.
Slow Cooker Method

You can easily adapt this recipe to a slow cooker. Just toss all the ingredients in, set the cooker on low, and let it simmer for 6-8 hours. This method will allow the flavors to meld even more deeply.
Add Vinegar At The End

A small splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar at the end of cooking can brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the ham and peas.

Recipe Variations

This soup is versatile, and there are many ways to customize it to fit your tastes:

Add Greens

For an extra layer of nutrition, you can stir in some spinach, kale, or collard greens towards the end of cooking. They add both color and an earthy flavor that complements the peas.
Spicy Twist

Add a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat. A touch of smoked paprika can also elevate the smokiness.
Vegetarian Version

If you want to go meatless, you can use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and add a couple of tablespoons of smoked paprika and liquid smoke for that smoky flavor typically imparted by the ham hock.

Final Words

Ham hock pea soup is one of those recipes that feels like a hug from the inside. The combination of tender ham, creamy peas, and aromatic vegetables is timeless and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, a potluck, or just because you want something that can simmer away while you do other things, this soup will never disappoint. The rich flavors are simple but satisfying, and the leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) taste even better the next day.