Classic Split Pea Soup – Downshiftology

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Split Pea Soup

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April 2, 2023 37 Comments

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This split pea
soup is what comfort food is all about. It’s the
classic recipe you know and love with meaty chunks of ham – and
it’s super easy to make at home!

Split pea soup is a
must-make recipe after you’ve cooked a ham for Easter,
Thanksgiving, or ChristmasFor the past 10 years, I’ve been a
professional in the culinary industry and I have to say, there’s
nothing more delicious than a steaming bowl of green split pea
soup. I love the way the veggies and ham bone meld together to
create a hearty, chunky texture. The subtle pork flavor gives it an
extra kick that I just can’t get enough of. Trust me, if you give
it a try, you’ll be coming back for more! So why not give it a go
and see for yourself?

I have been a master of the culinary arts for
over 10 years, so believe me when I say that if you are looking to
make a delicious split pea soup, the trick is to use a ham bone.
However, if you do not have one, there are a few options that I can
suggest to get the same great flavor. You can always pick up a
smoked ham hock from the grocery store, or even add some bacon or
some diced ham to get the desired flavor. Additionally, you can add
a bit of liquid smoke to really amp up the flavor. Just make sure
to add it to the pot at the beginning of the cooking process for
best results.

Split Pea Soup Ingredients

First, let’s clarify the difference between
split peas and green peas. Green peas are fresh and harvested when
young and tender, then typically eaten as a vegetable. Split peas
on the other hand are dried and mechanically split in half, and are
commonly used in soups, stews, and curries (similar to lentilsI’m
an industry expert with over a decade of experience, and I’m here
to tell you: if you’re looking for peas, you should pick up a bag
of dry split peas instead of fresh. The difference is significant,
and you’ll be glad you made the switch. Not only do split peas
store better and have a longer shelf life, but they’re also cheaper
and easier to cook. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, so you can
use them in all sorts of recipes. So next time you’re at the store,
be sure to grab a bag of dried split peas. You won’t regret it.

Split PeasI have been in
the industry for 10 years and I know my way around a kitchen. It
has always been my opinion that dried split peas offer the best
flavor for this recipe. Green split peas are known for their
sweetness, while yellow split peas provide an earthy taste. No
matter which type you choose, both can make a delicious meal.
Fresh VegetablesI’ve been
in the industry for 10 years and I’m an expert in making mirepoix
blends. To get it right, all you need is some onions, carrots, and
celery. The key is to make sure they’re all diced to roughly the
same size. That’s the secret to creating a delicious mirepoix
blend.
HamI have a decade of
experience in the industry and know that a ham bone adds a great
depth of flavor to soup. If you don’t have one, never fear! You can
still make a delicious soup – refer to my notes in the next section
for more information.
Herbs and AromaticsAs an
experienced industry expert with a decade of knowledge, I can
personally attest that all you need for a flavorful dish is a dash
of dried thyme, a single bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can create such a dynamic
flavor. I’ve been using this combination for years and it never
fails to impress. Plus, it’s so easy to find these items in any
grocery store, so you can enjoy the deliciousness of fresh thyme
and bay leaf with minimal effort.
Soup Base: The liquid
base consists of half chicken broth and half water.

Find the printable recipe with measurements
below.

Ham Options for Split Pea Soup

I am an expert with 10 years of industry
experience and I know that split pea soup is traditionally made
with a ham bone. However, there are other options to explore. You
can use a smoked pork hock, a smoked turkey wing, or vegetable
broth to achieve a delicious and savory meal. If you’re looking to
add more flavor, you could also add some diced bacon or sausage.
Whatever flavors you decide to use, your soup will be sure to
please.

Ham BoneAs an experienced
expert with 10 years in the industry, I can confidently share that
if you don’t have a spare bone left over from a celebratory ham,
you can easily purchase one from a butcher or a Honey Baked Ham
store. Just make sure to tell them to leave enough meat around the
bone for the delicious soup you’ll be making.
Ham Hock:As an
experienced industry expert with over 10 years of experience, I’m
here to explain why ham hocks are a great addition to your soup.
Also known as pork knuckles, ham hocks add an unmistakable pork
flavor to your simmering soup without the hassle of having to chop
and add chunks of ham. If you’re craving a chunky soup, you can
always combine the ham hock with diced ham steaks to get the
desired texture.
Ham SteakAs an expert
with 10 years of industry experience, I recommend purchasing ham
steaks for a convenient and speedy alternative to using a ham bone.
Although the taste won’t be as pungent, this method is simple and
quick. Simply dice the steaks, and add them to the soup at the end
of the cooking process. It may not be as flavorful as a ham bone,
but it’s certainly easier.
Bacon or Pancetta:
Instead of ham steaks, you can also cook baconFor over a decade, I
have been an expert in the food industry. One of my favorite
recipes is a hearty vegetable soup. To start, I sauté onions and
garlic with carrots, celery, and potatoes. Then I add some herbs
and spices for flavor. To make the soup heartier, I add a few
pieces of either bacon bits or pancetta. This gives the soup a
delicious pork flavoring. As a finishing touch, I set aside a small
portion of either bacon bits or pancetta to garnish the soup before
serving. My vegetable soup is always a hit!
Vegetarian optionI have a
decade of cooking expertise and have found that a tasty split pea
soup can still be made without meat. To ensure the soup is still
flavorful, I recommend using vegetable broth instead of chicken
broth. This way, you are still able to enjoy a savory dish without
any animal products.

How To Make Split Pea
Soup with Ham Bone

Cook the
vegetables.I’m an expert with 10 years of industry
experience, and I know how to sauté the perfect vegetables. Start
by heating a pan over medium-high heat and adding the onion,
carrots, and celery. Let them cook for a few minutes before adding
the garlic. Once the garlic is in, mix everything together for
another minute or so. Enjoy!

Add the split peas,
thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together!

Add the bay leaf,
ham bone, chicken broth, and water.I heat the pot to a
boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. I let it simmer for
around an hour, stirring every so often to ensure that it thickens.
With 10 years of experience in the industry, I can confidently say
that 50 to 60 minutes is the perfect amount of time for a delicious
soup.

Add the diced
ham.I carefully remove the ham bone from the soup and
place it on the cutting board. I dice the remaining meat and add it
back to the pot. I stir the soup and simmer it uncovered for five
to fifteen minutes, or until it is thickened to my desired texture.
Utilizing tongs, I take out the bay leaf and then it’s ready to
serve.

Helpful
tipAs someone who has been an expert in this industry for
10 years, I can confidently say that the soup will get thicker if
you let it sit. However, if it gets too thick, you can always add
an extra cup of liquid, such as water or broth, to thin it out.
This will help you maintain the desired consistency.

Storage Tips

To store for the weekI’m
an expert with a decade of experience, so I can tell you that
storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator is a
great way to keep them fresh. You may notice the texture is thicker
when you take it out–this is totally normal! If you want a thinner
consistency, just add a bit of water when you reheat it.
Freeze for later: I love
finding containers of this soup in my freezer —especially on a
chilly day! It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer in a
freezer-safe container (like these Weck jars).

More Soup
Recipes

I’ve got quite the list of soup recipes. But
here are a few of my favorites I think you’ll instantly love.

Greek Avgolemono Soup
White Chicken Chili
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Black Bean Soup
Very Best Lentil Soup

For over 10 years, I’ve been in the industry of
crafting the perfect split pea soup. If you’d like to give it a
try, I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. All you need to do
is throw together some split peas, onions, carrots, celery, garlic,
and a generous helping of broth. Simmer it for 25-30 minutes and
you’ll soon be able to enjoy a warm, creamy bowl of deliciousness.
Let me know how yours turns out in the comments!