Description

This Cozy and Hearty Split Pea Soup recipe combines smoky ham, tender split peas, and classic aromatics into one rich and filling bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or using up leftover ham, this split pea soup is a wholesome comfort food favorite that’s naturally gluten-free and easy to make on the stovetop or in a crockpot.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 cups dried split peas, rinsed and drained
6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham
Salt, to taste
Optional: 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (for garnish or added flavor)

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
Stir in garlic, thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add split peas, chicken broth, and ham. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 60–70 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check consistency: when peas are tender and breaking down, the soup will thicken naturally. For a smoother texture, blend part or all with an immersion blender.
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt. Serve hot with crusty bread or salad.

Crockpot Method:

Add all ingredients (except bacon) to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Cook on low 7–8 hours or high 4–5 hours until peas are soft.
Remove ham bone, shred meat, and return to pot. Stir, season, and serve.

Notes

Rinse split peas before cooking to avoid excess starch.
Don’t salt too early — it can toughen the peas. Add near the end.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Soup will thicken as it cools; add broth or water when reheating.
For a smokier version, swap ham for thick-cut bacon and sauté veggies in bacon fat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Soup, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meals
Method: Stovetop, Crockpot
Cuisine: American, European-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 310
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 14g
Protein: 19g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Split Pea Soup, Split Pea and Ham Soup, Crockpot Split Pea Soup, Comfort Food Soup, Gluten-Free Soup