Split Pea Soup with Ham

A thick, comforting soup simmered on the stovetop until green split peas break down around tender vegetables and savory pieces of ham.

Prep: 15 min · Cook: 90 min · Yield: 6 · Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups dried green split peas
• 12 ounces cooked ham
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 medium celery stalks
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups water
• to taste kosher salt

Cooking instructions

1. Rinse the split peas and check for any small stones or debris. Dice the ham, carrots, celery, and onion, and mince the garlic. (about 10 min)
2. Combine the split peas, ham, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, and black pepper in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. (about 10 min) — Boiling
3. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the peas have broken down and the vegetables are tender. Add a splash of water if the soup becomes thicker than desired. (about 75 min) — Low simmer
4. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and add salt as needed; the ham and broth may already provide enough seasoning. Serve hot. (about 5 min)