Easy Split Pea & Ham Soup Recipe | Hearty Family Favourite
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Hearty Split Pea & Ham Soup
There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of homemade split pea and ham soup. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavour - the perfect dish for cooler days or whenever you’re craving something nourishing and satisfying. Slow-cooked until the meat is tender and the peas are beautifully thickened, this classic recipe is simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 290g (about 1⅓ cups) green split peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 brown onion, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 700g ham hock
- 1.5 litres (6 cups) water
- Crusty bread, to serve
Method
Start by rinsing your split peas under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove any excess starch and ensures a smoother soup. Drain well and set aside.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, and cook for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the vegetables to soften and release their aroma - this builds a great flavour base for your soup.
Next, add the split peas, ham hock, and water. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the soup simmer gently for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring occasionally. Over time, the peas will break down and thicken, while the ham becomes tender and full of flavour.
Once the ham is soft and falling away from the bone, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Remove the meat from the bone, roughly chop it, and discard the bone.
To achieve a creamy texture, blend part of the soup mixture until smooth using a blender or food processor. Return the blended portion to the pot along with the chopped ham, stirring everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then gently reheat until hot.
To Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it piping hot with a side of crusty bread or my favourite - garlic bread - perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit.
Final Thoughts
This soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal, as the flavours only deepen over time. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it a great option for batch cooking. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum comfort - this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again