Save the ham bone from your ham dinner and create this hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup. It’s the perfect way to use leftovers and make a new meal.
Table of Contents
Ham Bone Split Pea Soup
This is one of those satisfying meals on a cold night. It is a hearty soup, full of flavor from simple ingredients. I love how simple it is to make with a leftover ham bone. When I want a home-cooked meal, this is one of my favorites.
Ingredients and Estimated Costs
Per Serving Cost: $1.62
Recipe Cost: $9.71
Here’s everything you need to make this split pea soup, including simple substitutions.
- 16 oz bag of dried split peas ($1.69): They break down into creamy goodness as they cookβno blender required! Rinse them well and check for any debris or pebbles before using.
- 2 Tablespoons of unsalted butter ($0.50): Used to sautΓ© the veggies and add a subtle richness. If you need a dairy-free option, olive oil works too.
- 1 medium onion (about 1 cup), finely chopped: ($0.78): The aromatic base of the soup. Yellow or white onion both work.
- 3 stalks of celery, diced ($0.45): Adds depth and an earthy balance to the sweetness of the peas and carrots.
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced ($0.50): They bring color, sweetness, and a soft bite to each spoonful.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced ($0.10): Essential for flavor layering. If you love garlic, go ahead and add another clove.
- 1Β½ pounds of a meaty ham bone ($3.00): It gives the soup smoky depth while the leftover bits of ham make each bite satisfying. No ham bone? Chopped cooked ham or smoked turkey legs are good alternatives.
- 4 cups of chicken broth + 2 cups water ($2.28): The broth builds flavor, while the water keeps things from getting too salty. You can use all broth if you’re using a low-sodium variety.
- 1 bay leaf ($0.33): Adds a subtle herbal note in the background. Don’t forget to remove it before serving.
- 1 teaspoon salt + Β½ teaspoon ground pepper ($0.02): Adjust to taste, mainly depending on how salty your ham or broth is.
- Β½ teaspoon dried thyme ($0.06): The thyme adds a gentle herbal touch that compliments the smokiness of the ham.
NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.
Top Recipe Tips
To make a stellar bowl of split pea soup, remember these recipe tips:
- Rinse the peas thoroughly.Β It helps remove any dust or small debris and gives a cleaner flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmer.Β Split peas need time to break down, and a slow simmer is key to that creamy, velvety texture.
- Use a meaty ham bone.Β The meatier, the better. It adds richness and lots of meaty flavor.
How To Make Split Pea Soup
SautΓ© veggies, simmer with ham bone and split peas, shred meat, and simmer until thick and creamy. Let me show you how:
- Start with the veggies:Β In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter. SautΓ© onion, celery, and carrots until soft (about 4β5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the base:Β Add in the ham bone and split peas.
- Add the liquid: Pour in chicken broth and water. Stir in the bay leaf, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Simmer low and slow:Β Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 50β60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are soft.
- Finish the soup:Β Remove the ham bone, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard any gristle or fat. Continue simmering for 20β25 more minutes until the soup thickens and the peas break down completely.
- Taste and serve:Β Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoningβadd more salt or pepper if needed. Serve and enjoy!
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Split Pea and Ham Soup
Equipment
- large pot
- wooden spoon
- cutting board
- sharp knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- tongs
Ingredients
- 16 oz bag dried split peas rinsed and drained and checked for debris
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 stalks celery diced
- 2 large carrots peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Β½ pounds meaty ham bone
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Β½ teaspoon ground pepper
- Β½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, melt butter.
- Add onions, celery, and carrots and saute until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute.
- Add ham bone and peas.
- Pour in chicken broth and water.
- Season with bay leaf, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally until peas are tender.
- Remove the ham bone and pull the ham from the bone.
- Return the meat to the soup and continue cooking for 20-25 minutes or until thickened and peas have broken down.
- Discard bay leaf and season with more salt if needed.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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Split Pea and Ham Soup Recipe FAQs
You can use 1 Β½ teaspoons of fresh thyme instead of dried thyme.
I love serving this soup with warm crusty bread and a simple side salad.
I have not tested this recipe in a slow cooker, but I think it could be cooked on low for seven to eight hours.
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