Split Pea Soup with Ham

Our Split Pea Soup with Ham recipe is a classic dish that is hearty, comforting, and one of the best leftover ham recipes. This is one of my favorite soups because it comes together so easily. My Split Pea Soup with Ham recipe is made using Hurst’s Green Split HamPeas (thank you, Hurst’s, for sponsoring this post). Whether you’re a busy mom, or just you’re just looking for a good old-fashioned soup recipe, this one can’t be beat!

Why You’ll Love Split Pea Soup with Ham

This Split Pea Soup with Ham recipe is a favorite because it’s hearty, nutritious, and easy to prepare. It’s a comforting soup that’s perfect for a cold night, and it makes great use of affordable ingredients, namely, Hurst’s Green Split HamPeas, which you can pick up in grocery stores in the dry beans section.

This soup is also a good use a leftover ham bone or diced ham, especially after a holiday meal. Plus, it’s a tasty soup that can be enjoyed the next day, often tasting even better as the flavors meld together. It’s really the best split pea soup recipe!

How to Make Split Pea and Ham Soup

This dish is simple to whip-up utilizing just what’s in the package of split peas! However, we’re going to add a little extra texture and flavor by including fresh vegetables and diced ham, by following the recipe on the back of the Hurst’s Green Split HamPeas bag.

Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand to make this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 20 oz. bag Hurst’s HamPeas Green Split Peas with Flavor Packet
• 1 cup Onion, chopped
• 1 cup Carrot, diced
• 3 tbsp. Butter
• 1 lb. Diced ham (or other ham, see notes below)
• 10 cups of water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: Start by placing the rinsed green split peas, chopped onion, diced carrot, and butter in a large soup pot or a large Dutch oven, along with 10 cups of water. If you’re using meat, such as diced ham or a leftover ham bone, add it at this time.

Step Two: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, cover the pot with a lid and continue boiling for 30 minutes. This is an important part of the cooking time to ensure the peas start to soften.

Step Three: After 30 minutes, add the contents of the seasoning packet included with the split peas to the pot. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover again with the lid for 20 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally.

Step Four: Remove the lid and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes. At this stage, you can add salt and black pepper to taste.

Step Five: Once the split pea and ham soup is done, remove the pot from the heat and let the soup stand uncovered for 10 minutes to cool slightly. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.

Step Six: Serve the split pea soup with ham while hot. You can garnish it with croutons for an added texture. This recipe yields about 14-16 servings, making it a great option for feeding a large group or for having leftovers.

Substitutions and Variations

Types of Ham: You can use various types of ham in this split pea soup recipe. I typically go for diced ham because it’s easy and I keep a package or two in the freezer.

I also like smoked ham hock, ham shank, ham steak (shredded) or even a leftover ham bone. If you don’t prefer using ham hocks, you can substitute with a pound of diced ham. Leftover holiday ham, (I recently used leftover Honey Baked Ham), is also a winner.

I often cook creamy split peas in the days following Christmas or Easter. If you don’t like ham at all, a smoked turkey leg is absolutely delicious in classic split pea soup recipe. The best thing about this recipe is its versatility.

Ham hocks can be a bit salty, so, be sure to adjust any added salt accordingly.

Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other fresh vegetables like celery or potatoes.

Broths: For a more flavorful broth, you can use chicken broth, bone broth, or unsalted chicken stock in place of some of the water. This will give you a rich, brothy soup that’s even more flavorful. Again, to regulate salt, you may want to opt for lower-sodium broths.

Seasonings: The beauty of Hurst’s products is the inclusion of their ham flavor packet. It brings all the flavor you’ll need! However, if you want to add more seasonings, consider bay leaves, thyme, or even a little garlic. I find the addition of a bay leaf or two adds a nice depth of flavor. A tablespoon of fresh thyme added toward the end of cooking is a nice addition.

Toppings: For added richness, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. If you’re looking for some crunch, add texture by garnishing with crispy croutons or crumbled fried bacon.

My Best Tips

• To prevent sticking, stir the split pea soup occasionally and watch the heat to ensure it doesn’t burn at the bottom of the pot.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer it for a longer time to reduce the liquid.
• For a thicker, creamier texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender.

How to Store Split Pea Soup with Ham

This soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze split pea soup with ham. It freezes well and is a great option for meal prep or for saving leftovers. To freeze split pea soup, let it cool completely after cooking, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It’s a good idea to portion the soup into individual servings for easier thawing and reheating. Frozen split pea soup can typically be kept for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or broth if it’s too thick.

I am a huge fan of leftover soup. It’s one of the reasons I cook soup for my family so often. I love getting those extra miles out of the dish the next day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Add Flavor to Bland Split Pea Soup?

Unlike average split pea soup recipes, this dish is anything but bland thanks to the delicious ham flavoring packet included with every bag of Hurst’s Green Split HamPeas! If you want to avoid bland split pea soup, this is the recipe for you!

Do Split Peas Need to be Soaked Before Cooking?

No, you do not need to soak split peas before cooking. While soaking can shorten your cooking time, it only takes split peas about an hour of simmering to become tender.

What to Serve with Split Pea and Ham Soup?

Serve split pea soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or sandwiches for a complete meal.

Is Split Pea Soup Healthy?

Split pea soup is nutritious, high in fiber and protein, and low in fat, especially when made with lean savory ham. It’s good for digestion, heart health, and blood sugar control. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it’s a moderate-calorie meal that’s heart-healthy and beneficial for overall health. It’s a great idea to have a few bags of Hurst’s HamPeas Green Split Peas in the pantry at all times!

What Does Split Pea Soup Taste Like?

Split pea soup has a rich, savory flavor, often enhanced by the smokiness of ham. It’s a hearty and comforting dish with a creamy texture.

Where Can I Find Hurst’s Green Split HamPeas?

Like all of the delicious Hurst’s products, you can find the Green Split HamPeas in the dry beans section at your local grocery store. Grab a bag of Hurst’s HamBeens 15 Bean Soup, while you’re at it, and thank me later!

My easy split pea soup with ham recipe is truly a classic comfort food. It’s a great way to use a leftover meaty hambone, the diced ham you have in the fridge, or even some leftover holiday ham. It’s a cold-weather go-to recipe for my family, but I make it all throughout the year. Hope you love it!

More Easy Soups

• Potato Corn Chowder
• Crock Pot Chicken Orzo Soup

More Hearty Soups

• Crockpot Ham and Beans
• Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Crock Pot 15 Bean Soup