Split Pea Soup With Ham

If you're on the hunt for a one-pot meal using leftover ham, you've come to the right place. For this recipe, you can dice up extra glazed Easter ham and toss it in, but you can also simmer the soup with the ham bone to impart even more of that delicious smoky, salty flavor. After all, we're big proponents of making use of what we have on hand! It's one of our favorite soup recipes that doubles as a nourishing post-holiday meal and any lingering house guests will thank you. 

Do split peas need to be soaked before cooking?

Split peas are like lentils—they don't need to be soaked before cooking, making this soup even easier to whip up on the fly. All it takes is a bag of green split peas and a few other fridge and pantry staples that you likely have on hand.

Are split peas the same as regular peas?

Split peas are a variety of field pea grown for drying. When they're hulled, they're split at their natural seam so that they cook quickly and don't require a lengthy presoak.

Can I make split pea soup without leftover ham?

Absolutely! This soup can be made any time. A chopped ham steak works perfectly in place of leftover ham.

Should split pea soup be thin or thick?

Split pea soup has a slightly thick, creamy consistency—it thickens naturally as the peas cook and break down. If you prefer a thinner, more brothy split pea soup, add some water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

How long does it take to make split pea soup?

From start to finish, this soul-nourishing soup comes together in under two hours. However, after prepping and sautéing the ham and vegetables, the recipe requires little hands-on attention, so don't be afraid to tackle it on a weeknight. You can even chop the vegetables and ham beforehand to make this soup come together even quicker.  

What do you serve with split pea soup?

This soup is perfect paired with a grilled cheese sandwich (or just a hunk of crusty bread!) for dunking. For something lighter, serve it with fresh kale citrus salad. Or, if you want to keep things simple, just sprinkle a few crispy homemade croutons on top. They'll soak up the flavorful broth while adding a little crunch and texture to each bite! 

How long does split pea soup last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, split pea soup will stay fresh for four to five days in the fridge. This makes it a great meal-prep recipe to make on a Sunday or Monday and enjoy all week long! 

Can split pea soup be frozen?

It sure can! This is a great soup to keep in your freezer for when you need a nutritious meal fast. Wait for the soup to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it over gentle heat in a pot on the stove.