Save A hearty, comforting soup packed with smoky flavor from bacon and canned ham, perfect for chilly days.
I first made this split pea soup on a snowy afternoon, and the inviting aroma from the simmering bacon made everyone eager for dinner. The canned ham adds such a savory, comforting touch—it's now our go-to soup when we crave something filling and fuss-free.
Ingredients
- Bacon: 4 oz (115 g), chopped
- Canned ham: 1 (12 oz/340 g) can, diced (reserve juices if possible)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Split peas: 1 lb (450 g) dried, rinsed and sorted
- Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium
- Water: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Bay leaf: 1
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: To taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon:
- In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving fat in the pot.
- Soften vegetables:
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add remaining ingredients:
- Add split peas, canned ham with juices, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender.
- Finish and season:
- Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to partially purée for a creamy texture, or leave chunky. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with reserved crispy bacon.
Save This soup brings back memories of cozy evenings with family, the kitchen filled with laughter and the irresistible scent of bacon. Serving it with warm bread made it even more comforting.
Serving Suggestions
Offer the soup with crusty gluten-free bread or crackers, and top with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Variations
Add diced potatoes or replace pork with smoked paprika and vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
Nutrition Information
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 11 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 23 g protein.
Save This split pea soup is perfect for busy nights and sure to warm you up. Enjoy the rich flavors and easy comfort this hearty dinner brings.
Recipe Guide
- → What is the best way to cook the bacon for this soup?
Cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, then remove it to maintain its texture before adding other ingredients.
- → Can I use fresh ham instead of canned ham?
Yes, fresh ham can be diced and added, but canned ham juice adds extra flavor to the broth.
- → How do I achieve a creamy texture without cream?
Partially purée the soup using an immersion blender after cooking to blend some peas, leaving some chunks for texture.
- → What substitutions work for a vegetarian version?
Omit bacon and ham, use vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika to keep the smoky flavor.
- → How should leftovers be reheated without thickening too much?
Add water or broth when reheating to adjust consistency, as the soup thickens when cold.