Split Pea Soup

Posted on January 17, 2026

Modified: January 17, 2026

There’s something incredibly comforting about Split Pea Soup – that velvety texture, rich aroma, and the way it just hugs you from the inside out. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory. I remember my grandma teaching me, her hands guiding mine. Now, I share those moments with my daughter, keeping our [family cooking traditions alive](). This Split Pea Soup is so hearty and deeply satisfying, yet surprisingly simple to prepare. A slow simmer truly brings out all the wonderful flavors.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

This Hearty Smoked Ham & Split Pea Soup shines with green split peas and savory smoked ham hock. I adore the aroma of simmering garlic! Find all measurements for this comforting [soup recipe]() in the card below.

How to Make Split Pea Soup

Making this soul-warming soup is joyful. Sauté aromatics for foundational flavor. Then, combine soaked split peas, smoked ham hock, and broth, simmering gently until peas are tender and flavors meld. Patience is key for the best [soup recipes]()!

Pro Tips for Making This Split Pea Soup

Soak Your Peas: Soaking split peas overnight reduces cooking time, helping achieve that wonderfully creamy texture we adore.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: My grandma taught me best soups develop flavor slowly. Allow the full 120 minutes for ham hock and peas to break down perfectly.
My Secret Trick: I always reserve and shred cooked ham, stirring it back into the Split Pea Soup just before serving for fantastic texture and savory flavor.
Season as You Go: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout. Ham hocks can be salty, so add salt gradually, especially towards the end.

Fun Variations for Split Pea Soup

Making Split Pea Soup is wonderfully adaptable!

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño with aromatics for warmth.
Vegetarian Twist: Omit ham hock, use vegetable broth. Smoked paprika or sweet potatoes add richness for a comforting vegetarian [crockpot recipe]().
Herbal Freshness: Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage, added last 15 minutes, introduce beautiful complexity. Fresh parsley at the end is a winner!
Hearty Add-ins: I sometimes toss in diced potatoes or spinach during the last 30 minutes for a more substantial meal.

What to Serve With Split Pea Soup

When enjoying Split Pea Soup, simple accompaniments are often best.

Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or artisan bread is perfect for soaking up every drop.
Garlic Cheese Toast: My daughter’s favorite! Quick garlic cheese toast, with cheddar, adds a savory crunch.
Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
Cornbread: A warm, slightly sweet slice of cornbread offers a delightful Southern pairing.

My tip? Don’t overcomplicate it. The soup is the star; let your sides complement its richness.

How to Store Split Pea Soup

This Split Pea Soup stores beautifully, great for meal prep!

Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer leftovers to airtight containers. Keeps in fridge for 3-4 days. I use glass containers to preserve flavors.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in safe containers/bags, leaving headspace, for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw if frozen. Gently warm on stovetop, stirring. Add broth/water if too thick. Reheating slowly brings the dish back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

This Split Pea Soup is a nutritional gem, brimming with plant-based protein and fiber. It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for nourishing the family, much like my favorite [casserole recipes]().

FAQs

Can I make Split Pea Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, absolutely! It’s a fantastic way to prepare Split Pea Soup. Add all ingredients (except parsley and croutons) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Peas become wonderfully tender, flavors meld beautifully.

Why are my split peas not softening?

Old peas, hard water, or adding acidic ingredients too early can prevent softening. Ensure your split peas are fresh and consider soaking them. For best Split Pea Soup results, add any acidic elements towards the end of cooking.

Can I use a ham bone instead of a ham hock?

Yes, a leftover ham bone with meat is a wonderful substitute for a ham hock in Split Pea Soup. It infuses the soup with rich, smoky flavor. Remove the bone before serving and shred remaining meat to stir back in.

How can I thicken my Split Pea Soup if it’s too thin?

If your Split Pea Soup is too thin, simmer it uncovered, allowing liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mash some peas against the pot side with a spoon or immersion blender. This releases starch, creating a thicker, creamier consistency.

Sofia

Hearty Smoked Ham & Split Pea Soup

A comforting and robust split pea soup, simmered slowly with a smoky ham hock and fresh vegetables, creating a thick, nourishing meal perfect for a chilly day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 20

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb green split peas rinsed and picked over (approx. 2 cups)
1-1.5 lbs smoked ham hock or 8 oz smoked bacon/pancetta, diced
8 cups chicken or vegetable broth low sodium preferred
2 cups water or more if needed

Aromatics

2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion chopped
2 carrots peeled and diced
2 celery stalks diced
3 cloves garlic minced

Seasoning

2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
to taste salt add after ham hock has cooked, as it's salty

Optional Garnish

2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
1/2 cup croutons

Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
Ladle

Method

Preparation Steps

Rinse green split peas thoroughly under cold running water and pick out any small stones or debris. Set aside. Dice the yellow onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.

Cooking the Soup

Heat olive oil or unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened but not browned.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed split peas, smoked ham hock (or diced bacon/pancetta if using), chicken or vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir in the bay leaves and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the split peas are very tender and have broken down, and the ham hock meat is falling off the bone. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom.

Finishing and Serving

Carefully remove the ham hock and bay leaves from the pot. Discard the bay leaves. Allow the ham hock to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone, discarding any fat, skin, or bone. Return the shredded ham meat to the soup.
The soup should be thick. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup, or mash some of the peas against the side of the pot. Taste the soup and season with black pepper. Add salt *only* if necessary, as the ham hock and broth contribute significant sodium.
Ladle the hearty split pea soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or croutons, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock/bacon and use vegetable broth. You can add smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor.
The soup thickens considerably as it cools. If reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Hearty Smoked Ham & Split Pea Soup is truly a bowl of pure comfort, bringing generations together with its warmth and flavor. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, cooked with love, can create something profoundly satisfying. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your family table as it does to mine, and perhaps even starts new [culinary traditions]() in your home.