Rustic Quebec-Style Pea Soup with Smoked Ham Hock

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty yellow split pea soup simmered with smoked ham hock and regional aromatics for a comforting traditional dish. This canadian-inspired soups ready in about 135 minutes pairs rinsed yellow split peas, (about 1.5 lbs) smoked ham hock, medium, diced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Canadian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced large yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups rinsed yellow split peas, 1 smoked ham hock, 8 cups water, 2 bay leaves, and 3 sprigs fresh thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are very soft and soup thickens.
  4. Step 4: Remove the ham hock, shred the meat discarding bone and skin, then return the meat to the pot.
  5. Step 5: Season with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, adjusting to taste. Remove bay leaves and thyme stems before serving hot with crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Quebec-Style Pea Soup with Smoked Ham Hock take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Rustic Quebec-Style Pea Soup with Smoked Ham Hock?

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 rinsed yellow split peas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Quebec-Style Pea Soup with Smoked Ham Hock?

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 Rustic Quebec-Style Pea Soup with Smoked Ham Hock 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 Rustic Quebec-Style Pea Soup with Smoked Ham Hock?

Canadian 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.

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