One Pea in a Pod

Are you a split pea soup lover or hater? In my experience, there is no in-between. I’m a lover. Ham at Easter or any other holiday is, for me, simply a vehicle for a bowl of split pea soup. I am, however, the lone split pea soup lover in my household – everyone else politely, and sometimes not so politely, passes. Luckily this soup freezes beautifully so I can enjoy it all winter.

If you are a split pea soup lover, I encourage you to try this easy, tasty recipe. You can make it vegetarian or vegan by omitting the ham and adding a touch of smoked paprika. If you’re a split pea soup hater, no worries, there will be more, decidedly delicious recipes coming your way in November.

5 from 2 votes

Split Pea Soup w/Ham

Classically delicious, this one is and ode to my mom. Thick and rich, with a bright flavor, you'll want to add this delightful soup to your after-holiday rotation. You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting some smoked paprika for the ham

Servings 6 people

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion diced
• 2 ribs celery diced
• 1 pound dried split peas about 2 cups
• 1 large ham bone or 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 6 cups chicken broth more or less as needed
• 2 large carrots diced
• 2 large bay leaves
• 1 large lemon
• 2 cups leftover ham optional

Instructions

• Sauté the onion and celery in the olive oil until brown, then add the split peas
  
• Add the ham bone or smoked paprika for a vegan alternative, the chicken broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer until the split peas begin to soften – 60-80 minutes
  
• Remove the ham bone and add the carrots, simmer for an additional 30 minutes. The peas should be soft and the carrots cooked through
  
• Cut any good ham off the bone if you are using ham and add it along with the other ham to the soup
  
• Give the soup a stir and squeeze in the juice of a lemon. Taste and adjust the seasonings
  
• Serve to all the split pea soup lovers in your house – in my case, I get it all to myself! Freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months
  

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: gluten free, soup