Description

This hearty Split Pea Soup with Ham is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Combining tender split peas, smoky ham shank, and vibrant vegetables, it offers a rich texture and deep taste, enhanced by gentle simmering and a brief blending for partial smoothness. Ideal for hearty dinners or meal prepping, this classic soup balances nutrition and savory satisfaction.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 smoked ham shank
48 ounces chicken broth or stock (or 32 ounces broth + 2 cups water)
3 cups split peas (one pound)
2 bay leaves
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, diced
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

1-2 cups diced ham (for a meatier, heartier soup)

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Instructions

Saute the Onion: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, which helps develop the base flavor for the soup.
Add Main Ingredients and Boil: Place the smoked ham shank, chicken broth (or broth plus water), split peas, bay leaves, and minced garlic into the pot. Stir everything together to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for about 1 hour. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the diced carrots so they retain some firmness and texture without becoming overly soft.
Remove and Shred Ham: Carefully remove the ham shank from the pot and set it on a plate. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred the meat off the bone using two forks. Discard the bone and any large fat pieces.
Blend Soup Partially: Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup briefly to partially puree it, leaving plenty of texture intact. This step creates a creamy consistency without losing the rustic feel.
Add Diced Ham (Optional) and Season: If using, add the diced ham to the soup after blending for extra heartiness. Season the soup with black pepper and salt, adjusting to taste. The smoked ham shank generally provides enough flavor, so salt should be added cautiously.

Notes

Using a smoked ham shank or hock imparts an outstanding smoky flavor that typically requires minimal additional seasoning.
Leftover soup will thicken when refrigerated. To restore desired consistency, thin with a little water or broth when reheating.
The carrots are added late in the simmering process to keep them slightly firm and add texture contrast.
You can blend the soup until completely smooth if preferred, but partially blending preserves pleasant texture and heartiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg