Q1: Do I need to soak the split peas before I cook them?

No, you do not! This is one of the best things about cooking with split peas. Unlike larger dried beans, split peas are small and have had their skins removed, so they will cook to a perfectly tender and creamy consistency in about an hour to an hour and a half of simmering, with no pre-soaking required.

Q2: What is the best way to thicken my split pea soup?

The beauty of this soup is that it thickens itself ! As the dried split peas cook in the broth, they will naturally break down and release their starches, which is what transforms the liquid from a thin broth into a thick, creamy, and hearty soup. The longer it simmers, the thicker it will get. If you want an even smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to purée a small portion of the soup.

Q3: Can I make this Ham and Split Pea Soup in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot?

Yes, this soup is perfect for both! Slow Cooker : Sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, until the peas are tender. Instant Pot : Sauté the vegetables on the "Sauté" function. Add all the other ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for at least 15-20 minutes before opening.

Q4: What can I serve with Ham and Split Pea Soup to make it a full meal?

This soup is so thick and hearty that it is a full meal all on its own! The absolute classic pairing is a piece of warm, crusty bread , a grilled cheese sandwich, or some buttery cornbread for dipping and sopping up every last drop.

Q5: What is the difference between green split peas and yellow split peas?

They can be used interchangeably in most recipes. Green split peas , the classic choice for this soup, have a slightly sweeter and more distinctly "pea" flavor. Yellow split peas are a bit milder and more earthy in flavor. Both will cook down to the same thick, creamy consistency.

The Best Classic & Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup

A classic and hearty recipe for Ham and Split Pea Soup, all made in a single pot. The flavor base is built by sautéing diced celery, onion, and garlic in butter. Rinsed, dried split peas are then added along with diced cooked ham, a bay leaf, chicken stock, and water. The soup is simmered for over an hour, allowing the peas to become tender and naturally thicken the soup into a rich, comforting meal.

Author: Evelyn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons butter
2 ribs celery, diced
½ onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
1 pound cooked ham, diced
1 bay leaf
1 quart chicken stock
2 ½ cups water
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium-low heat.
Stir in the diced celery, diced onion, and sliced garlic. Cook and stir for 5 to 8 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not browned.
Stir in the rinsed split peas, diced ham, and the bay leaf.
Pour in the chicken stock and water. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve hot.

Notes

This is a one-pot meal, which makes for easy cooking and cleanup.
Rinsing the dried split peas before cooking is an important step to remove any dust or debris.
The long, slow simmer is crucial for allowing the split peas to break down and naturally thicken the soup to a creamy consistency.
Stirring occasionally is important to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approx. 1.5 cups)
Calories: 400-480
Sugar: 8-12 g
Sodium: 1200-1500 mg
Fat: 12-18 g
Saturated Fat: 5-8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Fiber: 15-20 g
Protein: 25-30 g
Cholesterol: 50-70 mg

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/hearty-ham-and-split-pea-soup/