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Classic Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone

Close-up of a creamy, thick bowl of yellow-green pea soup topped with visible chunks of ham.
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Make this hearty, thick, and creamy split pea soup using a ham bone for deep, savory flavor. This old-fashioned recipe is perfect for cozy dinners and makes excellent leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large ham bone with meat attached
  • 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1 cup finely chopped carrots
  • 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste after removing ham bone)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear. Discard any small stones or debris.
  2. Place the rinsed split peas, ham bone, onion, celery, carrots, water or broth, bay leaves, and thyme into a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer.
  4. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The soup is ready when the peas are very tender and have broken down, thickening the soup.
  5. Remove the ham bone from the pot. Once cool enough to handle, shred any remaining meat from the bone and return the meat to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaves.
  6. Stir in the black pepper. Taste the soup and add salt as needed, keeping in mind that the ham bone adds saltiness.
  7. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
  8. Serve this comforting split pea soup hot with crusty bread.

Notes

  • For an Instant Pot preparation, cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes, followed by a Natural Pressure Release for 15 minutes.
  • If you do not have a ham bone, substitute with 1 cup of diced smoked ham and 6 cups of vegetable broth. Omit the initial salt until tasting.
  • This soup freezes well for future quick, wholesome meals.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/classic-split-pea-soup-with-ham-bone/