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+ servings

Split Pea Soup with Ham

This Split Pea Soup with Ham recipe is a quintessential comfort dish, perfect for chilly days. Made with a savory blend of split peas, ham, carrots, onions, and celery, it combines rich, smoky flavors with a hearty texture. Enhanced with fresh thyme and simmered to perfection, this soup not only offers deep flavor but also nutritional benefits, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying family meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Course Soup
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups chopped onion
  • 1 cup diced carrot
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus additional to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound dried split peas rinsed and sorted
  • 1 meaty ham bone or two smoked ham hocks
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves chopped, divided
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • croutons for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until vegetables are soft.
  • Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
  • To the slow cooker, add the rinsed split peas, minced garlic, ham bone or smoked ham hocks, bay leaf, and half of the chopped thyme.
  • Pour in the chicken stock and water, ensuring the liquids cover the peas and vegetables.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
  • About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the diced ham to the slow cooker.
  • Remove the ham bone or hocks and the bay leaf. Discard them.
  • Stir in the remaining thyme and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  • Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Optionally, garnish with croutons or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.
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