Pin it A hearty, comforting soup packed with smoky flavor from bacon and canned ham, perfect for chilly days.
Split pea soup was always a staple during our cold winters. The addition of canned ham and crispy bacon makes it especially satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- Bacon: 4 oz (115 g), chopped
- Canned ham: 1 (12 oz/340 g) can, diced (reserve juices if possible)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Split peas: 1 lb (450 g), dried, rinsed and sorted
- Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 L), low-sodium
- Water: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Bay leaf: 1
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: to taste
Instructions
- Cook Bacon:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Add split peas, diced canned ham (plus juices if possible), chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer Soup:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until peas are very tender.
- Purée (Optional):
- Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup for a creamier texture, if desired, or leave chunky.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon.
Pin it Nothing says comfort like a big pot of this split pea soup simmering in the kitchen, especially when the whole family gathers around for seconds.
Required Tools
Large pot or Dutch oven, slotted spoon, knife and cutting board, immersion blender (optional).
Allergen Information
Contains pork from bacon and ham, and may contain gluten or additives if labels are not checked for ham or broth. Contains celery.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 350, Total Fat 11 g, Carbohydrates 36 g, Protein 23 g.
Pin it With this recipe, you will enjoy an easy bowl of comfort in just over an hour. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon and canned ham, and use vegetable broth instead. Adding smoked paprika can help replicate the smoky depth.
- → How long does it take to cook split peas until tender?
Split peas typically take about 1 hour of simmering to become tender, but this can vary slightly based on freshness and soaking.
- → Can I use fresh ham instead of canned ham?
Fresh ham can be used; however, canned ham provides a distinctive flavor and tenderness. Adjust seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
- → Is it necessary to blend the soup?
Blending is optional. Partially puréeing creates a creamier texture, but leaving it chunky preserves more texture and bite.
- → What are good side options to serve alongside?
Crusty bread or crackers pair well, offering a satisfying complement to the rich and hearty soup.