Classic Garden Split Pea Soup with Ham
A comforting bowl of smoky ham hock-infused soup with garden vegetables, simmered to velvety perfection for the ultimate cold-weather remedy. This american-inspired soups ready in about 110 minutes pairs ham hock, medium, diced carrots, stalks, diced celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ham hock
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1 cup, picked over dried split peas
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, add 1 lb ham hock and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove ham hock and set aside.
- Step 2: To the same pot, add 2 medium diced carrots, 2 stalks diced celery, 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Season with 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 dried bay leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened and aromatics are fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup dried split peas, 6 cups chicken broth, and 2 cups water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Step 4: Return ham hock to pot, cover, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until split peas are tender and soup has thickened.
- Step 5: Remove and discard ham hock. Discard bay leaves. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Garden Split Pea Soup with Ham take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Classic Garden Split Pea Soup with Ham?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ham hock from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Garden Split Pea Soup with Ham?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Garden Split Pea Soup with Ham for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Garden Split Pea Soup with Ham?
American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
