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Classic Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone

Close-up of a bowl of thick, green pea soup topped with shredded ham pieces and diced carrots.
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Make a thick, hearty split pea soup using a ham bone for deep flavor. This recipe works well in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
  • 1 smoked ham bone (about 1 pound)
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear. Discard any small stones or discolored peas.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the rinsed split peas, chicken broth, ham bone, thyme, and bay leaf.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are very tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the ham bone. Once cool enough to handle, shred any usable meat from the bone and return it to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
  7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference. If the soup is too thick, add a little water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Notes

  • For Instant Pot preparation: Combine all ingredients except salt and pepper in the pot. Cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes, then allow for a Natural Pressure Release for 15 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure. Shred meat and season.
  • For slow cooker preparation: Combine all ingredients except salt and pepper in the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. Shred meat and season.
  • If you do not have a ham bone, use 1/2 cup of diced smoked ham and 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke for flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonfulsnap.com/classic-split-pea-soup-recipe-with-ham-bone/