Description
A hearty and flavorful split pea soup enriched with smoked ham, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups smoked ham, diced
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed split peas, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender.
- Add the diced smoked ham and simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt to taste.
- For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, or transfer a portion to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead. Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
- To enhance the flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice just before serving for a bright finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: varies
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Split Pea Soup with Smoked Ham, hearty soup, comfort food