Split Pea Soup
Split Pea Soup is a hearty, comforting dish made with smoky ham, crispy bacon, tender vegetables, and creamy split peas. Perfect for any cozy meal.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion diced (approximately 1½ cups)
- 3 celery ribs finely chopped (approximately 1½ cups)
- 2 large carrots finely chopped (approximately 1½ cups)
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 1 16-ounce bag dried split peas, rinsed thoroughly
- 1½ teaspoons fresh thyme chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ pound smoked ham sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper or to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Bacon:
- Place the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon becomes crisp and the fat is rendered, approximately 7 minutes. Remove the bacon using a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving 2 to 4 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the bacon fat in the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables soften slightly. If they begin to brown too quickly, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of chicken stock to deglaze the pot. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients and Simmer:
- Add the chicken stock, rinsed split peas, thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The split peas should become tender and start to break down, creating a creamy base.
Adjust the Texture (Optional):
- For a creamier soup, transfer one-third of the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Return the blended portion to the pot and stir well to combine.
Add the Meat and Season:
- Stir in the smoked ham and reserved bacon pieces. Allow the soup to heat through for an additional 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread or your favorite sides.
Notes
To make this Split Pea Soup gluten-free, ensure that the chicken stock and smoked ham are certified gluten-free, as some products may contain hidden gluten. Double-check ingredient labels for added peace of mind.