Cozy Homemade Split Pea & Ham Soup Recipe
I’m about to share something that’ll make your kitchen smell like pure comfort and your taste buds do a little happy dance. This split pea and ham soup recipe transforms humble ingredients into liquid gold, and honestly, it’s so simple that even my chronically fumbling-in-the-kitchen self can pull it off without setting anything on fire. But here’s what most people don’t know about making this soul-warming masterpiece perfectly every single time.
Why You’ll Love this Cozy Homemade Split Pea & Ham Soup
When comfort food calls your name on a chilly day, nothing beats a steaming bowl of homemade split pea and ham soup.
I’ll be honest—this recipe transforms humble ingredients into pure magic.
What makes this soup irresistible? It’s ridiculously simple, requiring just basic pantry staples and one pot.
The split peas break down naturally, creating that thick, velvety texture without any fancy techniques.
Plus, you’re getting serious bang for your buck. One ham bone stretches into multiple hearty servings that’ll warm you from the inside out.
Perfect for meal prep too.
What Ingredients are in Cozy Homemade Split Pea & Ham Soup?
This soul-warming split pea soup comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have lurking in your pantry. I mean, we’re talking about the kind of basic staples that have been feeding families for generations, nothing fancy or hard to track down.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that rich, comforting flavor we all crave when the weather turns cold. You won’t need to make any special trips to gourmet stores or decipher mysterious ingredient names.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup split peas
- 6 cups boiling water
- 1 ham bone
- 1-2 onions, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 potato, sliced
Ingredient Notes and Considerations
Let’s talk about that ham bone for a second—this is where the magic happens. You can usually snag one from your butcher for pretty cheap, or save the bone from a holiday ham. If you’re stuck without one, a smoked ham hock works beautifully too.
The split peas don’t need any pre-soaking like their dried bean cousins, which makes this recipe perfect for those “I need dinner now” moments. Green split peas are the classic choice, but yellow ones work just fine if that’s what you’ve got.
When it comes to the vegetables, don’t stress too much about perfect measurements. An extra carrot never hurt anyone, and if you’re an onion lover like me, go ahead and use two. The potato helps thicken things up naturally, but you can skip it if you prefer a thinner consistency.
One quick note about seasoning—start light since that ham bone will add plenty of saltiness as it simmers. You can always adjust at the end, but you can’t take it back once it’s in there.
How to Make this Cozy Homemade Split Pea & Ham Soup
Making this split pea soup is honestly one of those cooking experiences that reminds me why I love simple, old-school recipes. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching basic ingredients transform into liquid comfort.
Start by adding your 6 cups of boiling water to 1 cup of split peas in a large pot. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil and let it bubble away for exactly 2 minutes—not longer, not shorter. Then remove the pot from heat, cover it tightly with a lid, and let those peas soak for a full hour. This little step is essential because it helps break down the peas and guarantees they’ll cook evenly later.
After your hour of patience is up, it’s time to add the flavor makers. Drop in your ham bone, along with 1-2 chopped onions, 1 diced carrot, and your sliced potato. Don’t forget a good pinch of salt and pepper, though remember that ham bone is going to release plenty of salty goodness as it cooks.
Now comes the gentle simmering part, which is where this soup really starts to work its magic. Keep the heat low and let everything cook slowly until the split peas break down and become tender—this usually takes about 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they start falling apart and the soup begins to thicken naturally.
Once your peas are perfectly tender, fish out that ham bone carefully. It’s probably going to be falling apart by now, which is exactly what you want. If you’re after that classic smooth texture, you can rub the peas through a sieve at this point, but honestly, I kind of love the rustic charm of leaving it unstrained with some chunky bits.
Take a taste and adjust your seasoning—this is your moment to make it perfect. If the soup seems too thick for your liking, just stir in a bit more water until it reaches that ideal spoon-coating consistency. Finally, if you managed to salvage any ham from that bone, chop it up and use it as a garnish on top of each bowl.
Cozy Homemade Split Pea & Ham Soup Substitutions and Variations
Swapping ingredients in split pea soup feels like playing with edible building blocks—you can mix and match without losing that soul-warming essence we’re all chasing.
Can’t find a ham bone? I’ll grab leftover ham, turkey legs, or even crispy bacon bits.
Vegetarians, you’re not forgotten—smoked paprika and vegetable broth work magic here.
Yellow split peas swap perfectly with green ones.
No carrots? Celery, parsnips, or sweet potatoes jump right in.
I sometimes toss in bay leaves, thyme, or garlic for extra depth.
Feeling adventurous? Add diced tomatoes or a splash of white wine.
The beauty lies in flexibility.
What to Serve with Cozy Homemade Split Pea & Ham Soup
Nothing beats the satisfaction of a steaming bowl of split pea soup, but let’s talk about what transforms this humble dish into a proper feast.
I’m a sucker for crusty bread that’ll soak up every drop. Sourdough, French baguette, or simple dinner rolls work perfectly.
Want something heartier? Grilled cheese sandwiches are basically mandatory.
For lighter options, I love a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the soup’s richness.
Cornbread adds sweetness that complements the smoky ham beautifully.
Pickled vegetables or tangy sauerkraut provide that acidic pop your palate craves.
Final Thoughts
After mastering this recipe, you’ll understand why split pea soup holds such a special place in home kitchens.
There’s something magical about transforming simple ingredients into something so satisfying and nourishing.
I love how this soup gets better with time, developing deeper flavors as it sits.
It’s forgiving too – if you accidentally overcook it, just call it “rustic” and move on.
This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t need fancy techniques or expensive ingredients.
Sometimes the best meals come from humble beginnings, a ham bone, and a little patience.
Homemade Split Pea And Ham Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas
- 6 cups boiling water
- 1 ham bone
- 1-2 onions chopped
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 potato sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Diced ham for garnish
Instructions
- Add boiling water to split peas in a large pot and boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover tightly, and let soak for 1 hour.
- Add ham bone, chopped onions, diced carrot, sliced potato, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Cook slowly over medium-low heat until peas are tender, approximately 45 minutes.
- Remove ham bone from the soup.
- For smooth soup, rub peas through a sieve, or leave unstrained for rustic texture.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- If soup is too thick, add water to reach desired consistency.
- Garnish with diced ham before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Split Pea Soup in a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, I can adapt this recipe for both appliances. I’ll cook it on low for 6-8 hours in a slow cooker or use high pressure for 15 minutes in an Instant Pot.
How Long Does Leftover Split Pea Soup Last in the Refrigerator?
I’d store your leftover split pea soup in the refrigerator for up to four days. I’ll keep it in an airtight container and reheat thoroughly before serving. It’ll thicken overnight, so add water when reheating.
Can I Freeze Split Pea Soup for Meal Prep?
Yes, I can freeze split pea soup for excellent meal prep! It’ll keep for three months frozen. I’d recommend portioning it into containers, leaving headspace for expansion, and thawing overnight before reheating.
Why Did My Split Pea Soup Turn Out Too Watery or Thin?
Your split pea soup turned watery because you didn’t cook it long enough for the peas to break down completely, or you added too much water initially without letting it reduce properly.
Is It Safe to Leave Split Pea Soup Out Overnight to Cool?
I don’t recommend leaving split pea soup out overnight. It’s unsafe because bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature. I’d refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to prevent foodborne illness.