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Classic Split Pea Soup (With Ham Bone)

A hearty, old-fashioned split pea soup simmered with ham bone, vegetables, and herbs for a thick, creamy, deeply flavorful comfort meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb green split peas rinsed
  • 1 ham bone with some meat attached
  • 1 cup diced ham optional
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 8 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Additions
  • smoked paprika pinch
  • cayenne pepper optional
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or large pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes.
  2. Add garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and pepper; cook 1 minute.
  3. Add split peas and place ham bone into the pot.
  4. Pour in chicken broth or water to cover ingredients.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove ham bone, strip remaining meat, and return meat to soup.
  7. Adjust consistency with more broth if needed and simmer until desired thickness.
  8. Serve warm with parsley or diced ham on top.

Notes

Soup thickens significantly as it cools; add broth when reheating.