Split Pea Soup with Ham
This hearty split pea soup is the ultimate comfort dish, packed with flavors of smoked ham, fresh vegetables, and savory split peas. Perfect for a cozy night in, it’s a filling and wholesome meal that’s easy to make. The ham adds a delicious, smoky flavor while the split peas cook down into a creamy, flavorful base.

Ingredients
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3-4 celery stalks, chopped
- 3-4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 (12 oz) package of green split peas, rinsed
- 1/2 smoked ham steak (about 1/2 lb), diced
- 1 box (32 oz) organic chicken stock
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- 2 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle

Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Dice the onion, chop the celery and carrots, and set aside. Rinse the split peas under cold water and check for any small stones.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots, cooking until they soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Ham and Stock: Stir in the diced ham steak, green split peas, chicken stock, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for about 60-75 minutes, or until the peas have softened and the soup has thickened.
- Season and Finish: Stir in chopped Italian parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup gets too thick, add more water or chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or crackers for a complete meal.

Betty’s Pro Tips
- Rinse and sort the peas: Be sure to rinse the split peas thoroughly and pick out any stones or debris before cooking.
- Customize your texture: For a thicker soup, let the soup cook uncovered during the last 20 minutes. If you prefer a smoother soup, blend part of it with an immersion blender.
- Ham substitutions: If you don’t have ham steak, you can substitute with leftover ham or even bacon for a slightly different flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a delicious vegetarian option.
Looks yummy. I will be trying this soon.
Let me know how you like it!