If you’ve been searching for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re in for a treat with this Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe. Imagine tender peas, chunks of savory ham, and a medley of fresh veggies all simmered to perfection—this soup is just what chilly evenings call for. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for cozy nights in.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The ham hocks add a smoky depth that complements the sweetness of the carrots and earthiness of the split peas.
Perfect Texture: You can customize it from chunky to creamy, depending on how you blend the soup.
Simple Ingredients: It uses everyday pantry staples and fresh vegetables that come together effortlessly.
Hearty & Nutritious: Loaded with protein, fiber, and veggies, it’s as good for you as it is satisfying.

Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables, hearty pea soup, ham and vegetable soup, comforting winter soup, easy split pea soup - A close-up view of a thick yellow-green soup inside a white pot with a dark rim. The soup has small orange carrot pieces and some green herbs mixed throughout, sprinkled with black pepper on top. A metal butter knife is lifting some soup in the center, showing its creamy but slightly chunky texture. The background features a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component contributes something special—whether it’s the creamy texture from the split peas or the deep flavor from the ham hocks. Here’s why I pick these ingredients when making this soup:

Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables, hearty pea soup, ham and vegetable soup, comforting winter soup, easy split pea soup - Flat lay of dried split peas spilling gently from a rustic burlap sack, a plump white onion diced and whole, fresh celery ribs sliced with crisp green leaves, bright orange carrot rounds, two smoked ham hocks with a rich mahogany color, and a small pile of dried thyme leaves scattered artfully, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Dried Split Peas: They break down beautifully and thicken the soup, providing a creamy base without any added cream.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and a slight sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
White Onion: Essential for adding a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Celery: Brings freshness and a bit of crunch even after cooking.
Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Water & Chicken Broth: The broth ensures the soup isn’t bland and creates a savory foundation, while the water helps balance it out.
Ham Hocks: The star for me—they infuse a smoky, meaty taste you just can’t get from other proteins.
Dried Thyme: A subtle herb that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it.
Salt and Pepper: Used to season and bring everything together—you’ll want to adjust these to your taste toward the end.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One thing I love about this Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe is how flexible it is. I like to start with the classic version, but sometimes I throw in extra herbs or swap out veggies depending on what’s in my fridge. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—you’ll enjoy it even more that way!

Vegetable Variations: If you’re a fan of more texture, add diced potatoes or parsnips for an extra layer of flavor and heartiness. I’ve found it makes the soup even more comforting.
Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne brings a nice warmth, perfect for winter days when you want a little kick.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham hocks and use vegetable broth instead; add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky essence.
Texture Tweaks: Sometimes I blend half the soup and leave the rest chunky to get that creamy-yet-hearty feel that’s just dreamy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Rinse and Prep Your Peas

First things first—rinsing your split peas is important. Pour the 1 pound of split peas into a colander and run cold water over them. I like to really give them a good rinse and look through to pick out any discolored peas or little bits of debris. It’s a simple step but makes the final texture so much better.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies in Butter

Next, melt 1/4 cup salted butter over medium-high heat in your biggest pot. I toss in diced onion, sliced celery, and carrots and cook them for about 5–7 minutes until they’re soft and the onions turn translucent. This step awakens the flavors that’ll marry so nicely with the peas and ham.

Step 3: Add Peas, Liquids, and Ham Hocks

Time to bring this soup together! Stir the rinsed peas into the pot, then pour in 4 cups of water and 6 cups of chicken broth. Toss in your ham hocks and sprinkle 2 teaspoons of dried thyme. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. I usually let it gently simmer for about 90 minutes. You’ll want to check toward the end—the peas should be tender, and the ham should almost fall off the bone.

Step 4: Shred the Ham

Carefully remove the ham hocks with tongs and let them cool just enough to handle. Then shred the meat, discarding the bones and any fatty bits you don’t want. Chop the ham into bite-sized pieces that’ll sneak into every spoonful of your soup.

Step 5: Blend or Leave Chunky

Here’s where you make the soup your own! For a chunky feel, stir the shredded ham right back into the pot and call it a day. If you like it smoother, try an immersion blender on part or all of the soup. For completely silky texture, blend in batches in a regular blender (just be careful with hot liquids). This flexibility always gets compliments from family and friends.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finally, taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed. It often needs just a little extra seasoning to bring out all those beautiful flavors. Serve piping hot, and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

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Pro Tips for Making Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe

Soak for Creamier Soup: I occasionally soak my split peas for an hour before cooking to speed up the process and get an extra smooth texture.
Watch the Liquid Level: If the soup gets too thick while simmering, just add a splash of water or broth to keep it from sticking or burning.
Use Quality Ham Hocks: The flavor depends a lot on your ham; picking smoked and well-seasoned ham hocks really raises the soup’s depth.
Don’t Skip the Seasoning at the End: I learned that adjusting salt and pepper last is key—it brings everything to life perfectly.

How to Serve Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe

Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables, hearty pea soup, ham and vegetable soup, comforting winter soup, easy split pea soup - A white bowl filled with thick, yellowish-green soup that has a chunky texture. Inside the soup, there are visible pieces of orange carrots and light brown shredded meat, topped with small green herb bits and black pepper specks. A dark spoon is partly dipped into the soup, resting inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with sprigs of fresh green herbs scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few croutons for that crunchy contrast. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil can really elevate the flavor. Plus, a little cracked black pepper on top never hurts.

Side Dishes

Personally, I enjoy serving this soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic rolls for dipping. A simple green salad on the side balances the richness nicely. When guests come over, I sometimes add roasted root vegetables for an extra cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls for a rustic touch. Another favorite trick is layering the soup with a swirl of herb oil or crème fraîche right before serving—it adds a lovely pop of color and a gourmet flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover split pea soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find the flavors actually deepen after a day or two, so it’s perfect for meal prep! Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

Freezing works wonderfully with this soup! I portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep its texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally so it warms evenly. If it’s too thick after refrigerating or freezing, add a splash of broth or water while reheating. Microwave works too—I do it in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use split pea soup with ham and vegetables recipe without ham?

Absolutely! You can skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead. To mimic the smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke. This makes the soup vegetarian-friendly while still delivering great depth.
Do I need to soak split peas before cooking the soup?

Soaking split peas isn’t necessary, but it shortens cooking time and helps create a creamier texture. I sometimes soak them for about an hour, but if you’re short on time, rinsing and cooking works fine too.
What if my soup is too thick?

No worries—just add more broth or water a little at a time while reheating to loosen it up. Split pea soup tends to thicken when cooled, so adjusting the consistency before serving is normal.
How do I store leftover split pea soup?

Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Let it cool completely before sealing to keep it fresh and tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Split Pea Soup with Ham and Vegetables Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. It’s simple to make, forgiving in technique, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I promise this soup will become a staple you’ll return to again and again. So grab those ingredients and dive into a bowl of cozy goodness—you’re going to love it!