Split Pea Soup
Carrots, onions, potatoes, split peas ham blend perfectly together in this rich and flavorful split pea soup recipe that comes straight from mom!
I realize that I’m making quite a claim here, when I say that this is the best split pea soup recipe ever, but it just is. My mom used to make this for us and I was sure that I couldn’t do it like she does, but (gasp), I did! And you’ll amaze yourself too. Check out the how-to video below to see how easy it is, and ready through the comments, people are in love with this recipe.
Split Pea Soup with a Ham Bone:
Using a nice meaty, uncleaned ham bone is what gives this soup it’s amazingly rich and savory flavor. Perfect for using up Easter leftovers! (But you can ignore all of the ham/ham bone references if you must, and make this recipe without it, I’ll just look the other way.)
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Ham Bone Substitutes for Split Pea Soup:
Using smoked ham shanks or ham hocks are a great alternative and also add tremendous flavor. (If you can ask the butcher for one or the other, a shank is meatier and more preferable for this recipe.)
Chopped salted pork and/or chopped smoked bacon can also be substituted.
Soaking your peas overnight:
This is optional, but you may choose to soak your split peas overnight or for a few hours before making this soup to speed up the cooking process the next day. Completely dry peas take 2+ hours of simmering before the soup is ready. Soaked ones take about 1+ hours.
Using Homemade Chicken Broth:
Homemade chicken broth is easy to make at home and makes your soups and stews taste twice as good:
-Take a leftover chicken carcass (even a small rotisserie chicken is great for this), and place the bones and all of the scraps into a medium/large pot.
-Add enough water to cover the chicken by an inch or so. Add in any onions/celery if you have them.
-Cover the pot, leaving a small crack for steam to escape and simmer for an hour or two.
-Place a fine mesh strainer over another large pot and pour the mixture into the strainer, allowing the broth to seep through the strainer into the pot. The remains in the strainer can be discarded.
-Allow the chicken broth to cool and freeze for your future soup needs!
Want more Soup?
- Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Stew
- My Mom’s Lentil Soup
- Roasted Broccoli White Cheddar Soup
- Slow Cooker Pork Stew
- Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
- More
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Carrots, onions, potatoes, split peas ham blend perfectly together in this rich and flavorful split pea soup recipe that comes straight from mom!
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 ham bone (optional but preferred!)
- 2 cups onions diced
- 2 cups carrots diced
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 lb. dry split peas equal to 2 cups
- 2 cups ham diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 ½ Tablespoons onion powder optional
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 russet potato diced
- Put the water, chicken broth, onions, carrots, & uncleaned ham bone, in a large soup pot and bring to a boil.
- Add all remaining ingredients except for the potato. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer. Completely dry peas take 2+ hours of simmering before the soup is ready. Peas that have been soaked overnight take 1+ hours. Either way, I still chose (and recommend) that you let the soup simmer for several hours. This allows plenty of time for the peas to cook and the soup to thicken and to fully absorb the flavor from that ham bone.
- Add the potato about 40 minutes prior to eating. When the potato pieces are done, you’re ready to eat! It’s as easy as that 😉
I just made “Mom’s Best Ever” Split Pea Soup and OMG! It is fantastic and I agree…Mom’s Best Ever is not an understatement!! I didn’t have Bay Leave so I used Sweet Basil and Italian Seasoning with Thyme and Oregeno. I have never thought to add garlic to split pea soup and it really takes it to a new level. Nor would I have ever thought to use butter. I used unsalted butter and it give a richer flavor from both new ingredients. Thanks for sharing this recipe!!
I’m SOOO happy that you enjoyed it Lori, I love that recipe SO much, my mom has had it for so long! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!
This is fantastic Pea Soup I add a few Hamhocks I get from a local small town market with a butcher and after cooking I shred the ham from the bone amd add it back to the soup. I also use a tad of liguid smoke.😘
Hey Robin! Liquid smoke, what a fabulous idea!!! I love it! And you give overall great advice for this recipe, thank you for sharing- I’m so glad that you enjoy this soup as much as I do!
Have been a split pea soup guy forever, this recipe is by far the best i have ever had EVER…!! Very little effort needed to make this quality gem, trust me and please do not pass by this recipe you will be amazed. Thanks Stephanie
Hi Jim,
Can I just say, I read this comment last night and I was so thrilled! I actually read the comment to my mom too, hahaha, I had to remind her how great this recipe is!! You’ve actually inspired me to make it this week! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Have a great week!
Its one of those favorite comfort foods you seem to forget about till you have leftover ham right. lol so i came across your recipe and it just sounded perfect and after making it brought me back to my grandmas soup so thank your mom personally for me, it was a step back in time. And want to thank you for having great taste and taking the time to post. Trying the booby flay meatballs tonight.
Hi,
I know this sounds silly. Did you cover the pot?
Thanks,
Denise
I’d say leave it just a crack open while it simmers! 😁
This is THE BEST ever!!
Thank youuuu Carol, I know…. it really is the best soup EVER. So full of flavor and not even hard to make- it’s that ham bone I tell ya!! Thanks for visiting!!
I have it in the slow cooker now…going to try it that way. Can’t wait to try it tomorrow !
Hi Nance! What a great idea- I think you’re going to love it !! I’d love to hear how it comes out:)
You were right ! Your mom’s soup is the best.
YESSSS!!! Sooooo happy you agree!! Made my day! 🙂
“Best ever” is totally on point, Stephanie! I don’t get how there’s so few people here in the comments, singing praise.
I prepare my broth a little differently, by boiling the ham bone in the afternoon, and setting the broth in the fridge overnight so that that excess fat rises and gels, that way I can skim it off. Then I take the bone out and separate fat from the bits of ham that were left! We didn’t have nearly enough ham left for this soup, so I took some pork chops that were nearing their expiry date, cubed, pan-fried, and added them in!
Fabulous soup, easily the best I’ve made with a home made broth, and I’ve done a lot!
Forgot to add – we had very little soup left over, but we put it in pie shells so we can have split pea and ham pie another night!
WOW this sounds great too- you’re very creative in the kitchen!!!
Hey Jenny! WOW- I am SO happy to hear how well this turned out, and your tips are really helpful, I love how you were able to get the excess fat out of the broth by letting it sit overnight! The pork chops in here was a genius move too-I love getting creative when I’m low on an ingredient 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how it came out, it made my day!! 🙂 Happy Halloween!!!!!
I like the nutritional value for the recipes.Like the calories and carbs,ect. per serving.You recipe sounds wonderful. I need to get some onions tomorrow.
I just made this. I’m not good at cooking, but this was so easy to make and turned out super yummy. Thank you! I will be making it again!
Hanna
Hey Hanna! I’m SOO glad that you like this soup- I do love how shockingly easy it is to make!! And it’s so flavorful 🙂 (Now I want some, ha!)- Thank you so much for letting me know how it came out!!!
My mom used to cook split pea soup for my dad all the time when I was a kid. Of course I wouldn’t have anything to do with all that greenness! Haha! I recently found some split peas at the farmers market and decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did and I’m especially glad I found your easy, delicious recipe! It is sheer perfection! Thank you so much! Now I’m ready for New Years Day so I can have another ham bone to try it again!!
Hi Sherry!! WOOOOO!!!! I’m sooooo happy to hear that!!! Totally made my day. I really need to make some of this soup soon… it’s heaven, isn’t it!? I’m thinking it might need to happen this weekend. It’s perfect soup weather 😉 Enjoy it on New Years Day too- now THAT’s a perfect soup day!
This soup was so so good! I have plenty for leftovers too 🙂 I didn’t have a ham bone but I did have a bag of leftover ham from a holiday party so I used that.
That’s AWESOME Jamie! I’m glad to hear that it tastes really good without a ham bone too- good to know 😉 Thank you for letting me know. What a great way to use that leftover ham!!
This soup is really yummy. I gave it a little blend with my hand blender. Not fully puréed but just a couple pulses. I also added in my leftover mashed potatoes instead fresh and it worked really well!
Hey Katie! Ohhhh mashed potatoes in this soup sounds AWESOME! (Love being able to utilize leftovers!)… I’m so glad you enjoyed this, thank you for letting me know how it came out!!!
Made this soup today and it turned out delicious. I didn’t have a ham bone but I had chunks of ham. I will make this again. Great flavor!
Hi Pam!! I’m soooo glad that the soup turned out well for you, even without a ham bone, that’s awesome!! I need to make this one again soon, it’s soooo satsifying, (and easy!)- Thanks for letting me know how it came out!!!
This is basically the pea soup recipe my mother always made over 50 years ago, and that I make to this day.
Awesome! Maybe it’s the same one! My mom got it out of an old cook book I think! 🙂 GOOD, isn’t it!?
Instead of the raw potato, add two tablespoons of instant potato flakes to the soup. Give it time to absorb some of the liquid, If not thick enough add more potato flakes a little at a time
I buy soup bones at the Honeybaked Ham store. Not cheep but they usually have quite a bit of ham on them and it is really good, .
Hi Bill, thanks so much for the tips for this soup, I appreciate it!!!! 🙂
Good Morning! My daughter is begging for split pea soup this morning for her birthday dinner! LOL. I want to try your soup but don’t have a ham bone. is there any other way of getting that yummy flavor??? I have only made split pea soup with a ham bone. thanks for any tips.
Hi Paula! I found this forum which has some tips… Such as using bacon, or adding a little liquid smoke, etc! Take a look and I hope you enjoy it! I’ve had readers make this without a bone and said it came out great! Happy birthday to your daughter!!! 🙂
http://www.city-data.com/forum/food-drink/1593846-alternatives-ham-hock-split-pea-soup.html
OH! Ya had me at Bacon and Liquid Smoke! 🙂
The Ham Bone I had frozen appeared to be in the freezer too long but since we just had a Picnic Ham (no bone) and there’s Bacon AND Liquid Smoke in this house…BAM!! Dinner is ON!
I went a little heavier on the potato, omitted the olive oil and butter and just added the bacon grease from the microwave tray since I cooked the bacon crisp before adding it to the simmer.
This is silly good!
Hey Suz! I’m soooo happy to hear your variations and that you enjoyed this recipe as much as I do!! Your changes sound absolutely delicious!
I am vegetarian and can’t have dairy, so I make this without the ham bone and with coconut oil instead of butter. It still turns out delicious!
Thats sooo great Jenn, I appreciate you sharing those tips, thank you!!! Have a great weekend 🙂
I just found your recipe and really want to make it but I only have 8 oz of ham so how do I make this soup for one please please help
Hi Angie! I’d recommend simply cutting the recipe in half and freezing any leftovers that you won’t be able to eat in the near future 🙂 It freezes/reheats well! Enjoy!
Do you keep the ham bone in the simerring time or should I remove it after it boils?
Hi Kathy! I keep it in as it simmers too, I like to let it soak up every ounce of flavor from that bone! Enjoy the soup, I really need to make this again soon- Hopefully you’re getting full use out of a Christmas Ham! 🙂
I already presoaked 2 bags of peas. How much Ayer do I add?
I meant to say water
Hi Diane! That would be 16 cups, if school bag is one pound:) Enjoy!!! I love this soup!!
Can you use cooked ham?
You sure can! Enjoy!!
Hi there this recipe sounds delicious! I am going to make it tonight, just wondering though if this doubles well? Or maybe like 1.5x? I have a big ham bone and lots of ham…would I just boil the ham bone longer to release more flavor? What do you think?? Thanks for all your help and your mothers great recipe!!
Hi Lisa!! Doubling the recipe works great! And if you cook the ham bone a little longer it will only increase the delicious flavor so if you have the time to do it, then definitely do it!! 🙂 ENJOY, I’m a little jelly!!
Can this be done in the slow cooker? How longs 8hrs on low?
Hi Jill, I’m sure it could, but I’ve never made it in the slow cooker. I would almost recommend transferring it to the slow cooker once it reaches the point where it needs to simmer, and 8 hours on low would be fabulous!
Hi, I am from Europe, own a little Lunch Restaurant in Florida. I try to find several good soups for daily soups. Yesterday I made this Split pea soup first time but with a few adjustments, I used my spice Mix (Salt, pepper, mustard, Terragon, celeryseed, onion) instead of salt only and added Green onions, the double batch sold completely first day! Thank you very much, people love it, and so do I 😍
Hi Linda!!! WHAT AMAZING NEWS!!!!! That is just so completely awesome- I wish they had more pea soup around me at the daily soup places!!!! Thank you for sharing that with me! Here’s to great soup sales!
Hi Stephanie,
On October 31, 2015 Jenny posted a comment saying “by boiling the ham bone in the afternoon, and setting the broth in the fridge overnight so that that excess fat rises and gels, that way I can skim it off”. Would she just be boiling the ham bone alone in the 8 cups of water and then putting it in the fridge and then after scrapping off the excess fat, following your directions from the beginning?
Hi Kristy, I find that if I make the full recipe and then put it in the fridge, the excess fat rises and gels from there 🙂
Hi there. Can I make this luscious looking soup in my slowcooker?
If yes how do I go about it?
Also where can I get a ham bone?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Yvonne- For the slow cooker I think I’d try this:
Put the water, onions, carrots, & ham bone, in the crock pot and cook on high for 2 hours.
Add all remaining ingredients except for the potato. Reduce to medium or low and let the soup simmer for approximately 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Add the potato about 1-2 hours prior to when you’re ready to eat. Once the potatoes are soft, you’re done!
I usually get the ham bone from a whole ham that I’ve previously used for another meal (this is a great after-Easter recipe!) Otherwise you could try asking the meat department at the grocery store for a ham hock.
Enjoy!
Hi,
I made this soup and I found it wasn’t as thick as yours. The only thing I did differently was I rinsed my peas and soaked them for 3 hours prior to making the soup. How do I thicken it? What did I possibly do wrong?
Hi Rosy!! Did it ever thicken more after you wrote this? Otherwise it’s really hard to say, I am making this again after Easter with the leftover ham that we have and I’ll try to think of what could have caused it to be thinner than mine… I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help!
Have you ever added celery or corn? I know its not traditional, but I try to sneak as many veggies in on my 3 yr old as I can. 😉 If you have used either, did it change the soups flavor? Plan on making this after easter. 🙂
Hi Nicole! I’m making this after Easter too, I can’t waiiiiiit! (It’s just so good!)- I haven’t tried adding celery or corn before, but they wouldnt compromise the flavor of the soup and they sound delicious, especially celery, yum! Enjoy!
Hi, I, too have Polish roots! (My grandfather) We ate some pretty strange, but yummy stuff when I was a kid, eg: “Potato Ball” Soup (or as we kids dubbed it: “super ball soup”!!) Odd, but de-lish!! The fam Split Pea Soup was very similar to yours except sometimes my mom would have ham but no ham BONE – Gasp! – a Crime!! So my mom would use chicken broth instead of water, to impart more flavor – – it works Great! She made it a habit to try to keep a ham bone in the freezer from then on, but would Still use the chicken broth, or half broth/ half water! It’s an Amazing soup either/any way you do it, it seems!! Thanks so much for your reminder to me that IT’S TIME FOR PEA SOUP!! I’m going to print yours as mine is so old and faded, I’ m afraid someday I won’t remember What it says and they’re almost identical so it’s Perfect. Thanks Again.
Hellooooo Jan, my fellow Polish pea-soup maker! I am SO excited that you’re going to be making this after Easter, and even more excited that you’re going to use this recipe alongside your mom’s recipe! First of all, I am 100% trying the chicken broth idea…I might even work that suggestion into the recipe notes, it sounds so flavorful! (Thank you for that!)….Your comment definitely made my day today. Enjoy your soup and I will do the same!!! Wahoo!!!!
I’ve become very frugal and recently baked a ham in my pressure cooker, and I saved every morsel! This weekend I’ll be pulling the ham bone and some extra meat from the freezer and making this! My husband claims to not like pea soup, but up until last week he claimed he didn’t like hot & sour soup either. I made a batch, veggie style, and he loved it. Wish me luck on my newest endeavor!!!
Hi Mary! WOW- What luck that you have that ham bone, thank goodness you kept it, smart move!! It’s going to really make this soup, and I’m almost willing to guarantee that your husband is going to like it! Mine used to say that he didn’t like pea soup either… (hahaha)- then I gave him a bowl of this and his response was, “This is SOO good, what IS this?!” (Pea soup ya dummy.)
Good luck and if for some reason he DOESN’T go for the soup, then it’s all the more for you! 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Thanks Stephanie … my Dad used to take canned Campbells pea soup and “doctor it up” as he’d say … lol. I’m sure he and my Mom would have been proud of my efforts. Thank you so much for the recipe!
Oh, I meant to tell this crazy story… When my husband & I were 1st married, he talked about his mom making “Hot Dog Soup”! I asked him “What??” several times & he insisted it was green, delicious, & they called it Hot Dog Soup! Once I started ferreting out some facts, I realized his parents were missionaries, traveled all over the world on a huge ship & were pretty poor. This could only be Split Pea Soup!! I’m sure it wasn’t easy to have access to Ham & Ham bones on a ship (had a lot of “dry goods”) & his mom was probably able to get Hot Dogs in a port sometimes, and Voila! “Hot Dog Soup”!! To this day – – 30 yrs later, when we get together with my husbands brothers, Hot Dog Soup comes up Every time!! I’ve asked my husband many times if he’d like for me to try to duplicate it for him & he always laughs and says: “That’s sweet, but no thanks!!” Don’t know Why he refuses since they talk about it fondly, but I think I may make it for him Anyway!! Maybe some things are just better left in the past… like pea soup with Hot Dogs!! Hmmmm… jan
Awwwwwwwww I love that story!!! Hot Dog soup, that’s a new one for sure! However, is it weird that I think that hot dogs would actually be pretty tasty in pea soup? (Maybe I’m just hungry… all this pea soup talk has gotten to me!) -You should definitely try to replicate that hot dog soup, it would bring him back!! That’d be sweet 🙂 What a good wife!
Hi, I have a question…do you use 2 cups pre-soaked peas, or 2 cups dry peas? There’s a significant difference so I want to make sure I do it right 🙂
Hi Michelle! That would be dry peas, good question! I just finished making my second batch of the soup, it is out of this world! Enjoy!!
Was I supposed to cook the onions and carrots in the butter and olive oil? I’m confused on when to add the butter and oil.
Hi Jennifer, I know that typically you would add the onions and carrots and cook them in the oil, but in this recipe it’s not necessary! You can just add the onions, carrots and water with the ham bone… boil, then add everything else including the olive oil. Strange but true!!
Won’t the onions and carrots be mush cooking for 2 hours?
Hi Linda, as soon as the water reaches a boil, you reduce the heat to a slow simmer. From there, everything just cooks slowly for two hours. I just made two batches after this past Easter and it was all perfection! If you are able, just stir it once in a while, to keep the soup nice and thick throughout! 🙂
Wow!! This soup is to die for! Even my kids gobbled it down! Thank you for such a great recipe! This is going into our family recipe book!
Hi Angee!! Wahoooooooo, I’m so glad that you and your family love the pea soup! I made two massive batches last weekend just to bring to work for myself, it freezes great! Thanks for taking the time to let me know how you liked it, I love to hear that! 🙂 The great weekend!
I guess you could call it, “Polish Pea Soup” as that’s what I’ve heard it called in my house for generations. Pretty basic and easy to make. ….and same ingredients. The hambone really MAKES the difference in flavor even if you add a broth in place of water. I do both half water and half chicken broth (Organic from store) or all water. Never did simmer the bone only in water first but sounds like a plan and will try that next Easter Ham Bone. Don’t have a slo cooker but just presoak the peas in only water first for a couple hours, that add the broth/and or water and heat on medium for an hour then add the who bone with as much of the ham cut off as possible, and simmer for a couple hours. … using ham bits to add to each cup of >>>>finished<< Pea Soup I put in the freezer. My husband doesn't like veges floating in the soup sooo…I put everything in my VitaMix blender, (except the bone of course..lol) along with about a half cup of cream (or water) Yes, the veges et all are creamed into the soup but only put a few small pieces of ham to blend, just for flavor. My husband won't eat the soup unless there are no "pieces" in it..but a few bits of ham…lol Well, you makes the recipe for the one that will eat it if it's one person and in a large pot or kettle or slo cooker for those that aren't picky..lol And potatoes, no, I don't add any to mine. Adding a couple cloves of garlic is good and whatever other spices you like as this is also a personal thing. Good stuff and nice to pull out a cup of pea soup from the freezer when you got the yen. Peace
Hi just came across your pea soup recipe and I’m gonna try it today just wondering if I use a ham hock do I still need to add diced ham to the soup?
Hi Angie! A ham hock will work perfectly! You definitely don’t have to add additional ham, although if you wanted to, you could dice up a small boneless ham but that’s totally optional. Enjoy!!
When do I remove the ham bone? and do I also use 2 cups of diced ham in addition to what falls off the bone?
Thank you Amber
Hey Amber! I take the ham bone out at the very last second to give it the maximum possible time to flavor that soup! 🙂 I also do use the 2 cups of ham in addition to what falls off the bone. Enjoy the soup!!!!! It’s SOOO good! 😉
One of the best soups I ever tasted. Thank you for sharing and most of all thank you for the step by step guidance!
I have made this a couple of times now with some minor changes and it is THE BEST split pea soup I have ever had!! I have shared this recipe on fb several times so all my friends can make it too. I am all about easy so I subbed 3-Goya Ham flavor packets (like ham bouillon) for the ham bone and used 1-8 oz pkg of John Morrell cubed ham. I also used shallots in place of the onion as I prefer the milder flavor. Thank you so much for this recipe!!!
Hey Selene! Your comment came at such an amazing time 🙂 My mom visits me from CO once or twice a year (since I live in NH), and she just started a new visit today! I was able to share this comment with her and it made us both so happy. So, thank you so much for taking the time. It means a lot to us 🙂 -I love your variation options as well!!! THANK YOU!!!
Oh my goodness, your recipe had me sitting back in my Grandmothers and my Moms kitchens! Quite regularly in fall and winter, they would make a boiled dinner (ham, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, a bay leaf and a small palmful of peppercorns, slightly crushed boiled til cooked through and soft, in a big soup pan of water). The ‘ham broth’ was reserved to make either a split pea soup or a ham and white bean soup and the bone was always kept for the soup. While I hadn’t made the split pea soup in years, I do make the boiled dinner and ham and white bean soup (although I add lots of greens to it also), but you have inspired me to make the pea soup. The only real difference between your Moms recipe and my Moms is mine added celery (same amount as carrots and onions), used the stock from the boiled dinner and topped up with some fresh water, and didn’t use onion powder. And she would save the celery leaves from the heart of the celery, chop it and use it to garnish the soup. I agree with you about the bone…it always makes the soup better (and healthier as it is full of nutrients and essential minerals) if using the bones! I was raised on a farm and we did nose to tail cooking long before it became popular. It was felt if an animal had to give its life, then you made use of every single bit that could be used to respect and show appreciation to that animal. Bone broth was always a staple at home and there was always some being made. Her chicken soup was even made with the chicken bones, the feet and the heads/beaks of the freshly butchered chickens and canned for later use and more carcasses added as we had our own roast chickens. That sounds gross to many, I know, but those who didn’t know how it was made always claimed it was the best chicken broth they ever had. While life seems more frantic then back then, I still make the time at the weekends for making homemade broths, soups, etc and batch them up and freeze for midweek meals. It’s so lovely to see others making use of the bones as well. So, a boiled dinner is tonight’s mean just so I can make your split pea soup tomorrow…I can’t wait! Thanks so much for sharing!!
I’m not a big cook guy but this is one of the best soup so far . Easy to make . I didn’t have ham bones so I added some ground turkey. Oh my god delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
Hi Ali! YAYYY I’m SOO happy to hear it! Last time I made the soup, I think I made enough to last me a lifetime. It’s just way too good! I’m so happy that you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to let me know 🙂
I made this soup and it is awesome. My husband said it was the best soups I ever made. Don’t hesitate to try it.
I’m so happy you think so Lorraine! It’s definitely a keeper!!! Thank you for taking the time to comment!
I have made this soup for 50 yrs almost to your exact recipe. This time I had made ham gravy as I had some home made sour dough biscuits to put it on. I still had about a cup and 1/2 of gravy left, so I added it to the soup, plus some oregano from my garden. Soooo
good.
Wow Chris, that sounds insanely delicious, I’ll come over for dinner anytime! Ha! (Oregano from your garden too?! YUM!!)
Your recipe directions say “ham bone” but the ingredients don’t mention it….it says diced ham. So is the ham bone needed?
Hi Aubrey- it’s much preferred to add a ham bone to the boiling water if possible but not totally necessary in order to make the soup, it just adds flavor! I added it to the ingredient list:)
Made this for my Mom. She loved it. I’ve made it twice this week..it’s going to be a staple in our house. Thanks for sharing
Hi Sheri! I’m so happy that you liked it, it’s amazing how just a simple recipe can turn out so well, no complicated steps or ingredients. Can you tell I’m a fan too?! 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to let me know how you like it!
As another reviewer, I also made stock from my hambone before making a my split pea soup. I treat it the same as I do my turkey carcass to make stock. I added to the hambone/ham hock, celery; carrots; parsley, peppercorns, and bayleaf, I add some water and some chicken stock or vegetable stock. I love the smell of it simmering on the stove and leave it all night long and into the next morning. And then strain out all the vegetables and ham bone and put it in the refrigerator overnight so the fat rises to the top can be removed. I then continued with your soup recipe and will add ham from the spiral cut ham we had for Thanksgiving. Thanks for a great recipe.
Maybe I just haven’t made enough soups, but I find your directions a bit confusing. When you say, boil the water, etc., then add the other ingredients, I get lost. Do I add more water to the split peas? Do I bring just the mentioned ingredients to a boil, then add the peas as one of the other ingredients? How much water should I have put in this when I finally start the soup cooking? I guess I will just see what happens by instinct. My (late) husband was a chef and I wished I had watched more carefully when I made his version of split pea soup!
But thank you for your recipe regardless. It does sound great – if only I can make it!
Hi Clare- No need to add more water than what it says in the instructions, which is the initial 8 cups. Does this help?
1. Put 8 cups of water, the ham bone (if you have one), onions and carrots in a pot, bring to a boil.
2. Add the butter, olive oil, peas, ham, bay leaves, onion powder, garlic, salt (optional)
3. Reduce the heat, simmer for about 2 hours or more.
4. Add the potato about 40 minutes before you’re ready to eat.
I just made your soup for my resident’s in a A.F.C home. I hope it turns out like all others have said. We saved the ham bone from last night’s Christmas dinner. Will let you know how it turns out.. Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Joyce! I’m co fident that you are going to love it!! Def let me know!!! And enjoy!! 😁
Its my turn. I just added all other ingredients and it’s now at a slow and low simmer. I will add the potato 2 hours in. And followup with my comments after dinner.
YEAH Bryan, you’re up! I am both jealous and excited that this is simmering for you right now, I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of it! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
My followup. Best soup I’ve ever made. For garnish I added a dollop of sour cream and some cheesy garlic croutons. Absolutely delicious. Can’t hardly wait to cook my next spiral ham just to make this soup.
YAAAAYYY!!! I am so Happy that you liked it as much as I do, and I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know!!!!! Made my whole day!
Forgot the stars. All 5 of them.
Awwwwwwww. You’re the best.
I’ve never had split pea soup before but this was absolutely delicious!! Even my children (2 & 4) loved it!!
SCORE!!!! Whenever the kiddos like it too it’s just the best! I’m so glad you all enjoyed it, thank you for taking hr time to share!! Happy New Year!
Hi,
Do you need to cover while simmering?
Hi Mary! I like to partially cover it while it simmers, but not all the way 🙂 ENJOY!!
Made this today and it is delicious! The only change I made was I always save the broth from when I make a ham, refrigerating it until ready to use and skimming the fat off the top before reheating and use this with water to make the 8 cups. Thanks for sharing this great recipe. It will definitely be my go to for split pea soup 🙂
Made it-ate it-loved it-shared it!! I did not have a ham bone so I improvised and used a prime rib bone I had frozen-I did not soak the peas. I bout 2 ham steaks and cubed them. It was delicious!
Hey Judie!! I’m so happy that you loved the soup, and I appreciate you sharing what you did instead of a ham bone! 🙂 HAPPY NEW YEAR, and have a great weekend!
This was my first time ever making split pea soup and it will not be the last. It was delicious,can’t wait to make it again.
Hey Susan!! AWESOME, I’m so glad that you were able to nail down a good batch of pea soup on your first attempt, isn’t it the best when that happens?! Thank you for letting me know how it came out! Wahoo!!
This is a great recipe! I added 2 packages of ham powder Everyone should Try that it gives it lots of flavor ! I never used butter not potatoes so can’t wait to try this one I also add croutons in the dish before eating
This soup is absolutely delicious! Easy to make and easier to eat! Smoked ham hocks added super flavor. Will try with the chicken broth the next time.
YAY!!! So happy to hear it Patt! I am obsessed with this soup! 😁
Oh my goodness! I made this recipe last night for my husband. We both LOVED it. I’m making a second batch today so that we can keep some in the freezer for future cold, wintery nights.
I have only had split pea soup from a can–I never realized what I was missing. My husband commented that this soup took him back to his mom’s kitchen. This is definitely a keeper recipe. Thank you!
Hi Carmen! I’m SO excited to hear that! I have a huge stash in my freezer and it’s the BEST- I’m so happy that your husband loved it too and that it brought him back to his mom’s kitchen. I definitely love hearing that. Much better than a can indeed! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
First time making this great, warm soup. I did not have the ham bone but used 2 tsp Better than bouillon ham broth. Added 1 tsp Italian seasonings and a med sweet potato. I used sweet Italian sausage which I cut into small rounds and browned before adding to soup. Covered and simmered about 2 hrs. It was wonderful. Thank you so much:-)
Great Maggie!! I’m so glad you made it work without the bone! Thanks for your comments!!!
This is a great recipe that you can change up to your preferences. I made it as written and it was great. I added a little thyme and a good amount of black pepper after it was done and let it cook longer. The peas then turned creamy and I thought it was great. If you like the peas holding shape, cook no longer than an hour. Excellent recipe.. will use this for now on.
Hi Erin!! Thank you so much for your rating and comment! I LOVE when the peas turn creamy, personally, so I cook it like you, and love the idea of adding thyme and black pepper, definitely! Thank you 🙂 I hope you can maybe make this again with some leftover Easter ham maybe? Have a great night!
What about mashing slightly before you add the potato & adding a bag of frozen peas when you add the potato.
Hi Sherry! Some people love to mashed potatoes slightly before they add them to soup, you could definitely do that! I’m not sure about the peas, I think the soup has enough Pea flavor without it, but you could give it a shot for fun!
This is my second time enjoying your wonderful pea soup recipe. Used my Easter ham bone and followed your directions to a T with the exception of adding a bit of French herbs. This is an amazing recipe. It freeze well so the last time I made it, I shared with one of my two nieces. This time I will share with the other one. They think I am the best cook ever. With easy delicious recipes like this, it doesn’t take much to fool them in to thinking I am, “the best cook ever”, LOL Thanks for sharing. Best regards, Arlene
Arlene, this made me so happy, and today was a rough one for me so I needed a pick me up, you gave me just that! Thank you so much for taking the time! ❤️
I was so excited to have Easter at my house so I could use the left over ham bone for this recipe. I’ve made it before and it’s amazing. I’m making 1.5 batches, doubling wouldn’t quite fit in my crockpot, that way I can freeze some for a later date….if there’s any left. Thank you again for sharing this recipe!!!
Hey Jen!! YAAAAYYY!!!! I’m so happy that you were able to put that ham bone to good use! I’d be willing to pay people for their ham bones just to make this soup, LOL. I’m so happy you like it! Thank you for sharing!
This is a wonderful recipe! My husband loves Split Pea Soup so I decided to put our Easter HoneyBaked Ham bone to good use! It is just as the other folks have said…a 5 star keeper.
It does make a large amount and I am not sure about freezing some…yes or no???
The blend of all ingredients can’t be improved on. Thanks Stephanie! What about freezing it?
Hi Maureen! Funny, I just made this last night with our Easter ham too! Every time I make it my husband says “MMM! BEST BATCH YOU’VE EVER MADE!” – I am sooooo happy that you love it as well! You can DEFINITELY, 100% freeze this, I always do, and it reheats very well! Thank you for taking the time to leave your comments, I really appreciate it! Have a great day! -Stephanie
OMG this was amazing. Best splitpea soup I’ve ever made. Just made it with my leftover Easter ham. Super easy.
Hi Theresa!! Ahhh I’m soooo happy!!! That ham bone makes such a difference too! You’re the best! Thank you for commenting !! ❤️
I have made this recipe several times now and I love it! It is becoming a staple in our home. We cook it vegetarian so I do 8 cups of vegetable broth to make up for the flavor. Thanks for sharing
Hi Elan!! I’m sooo happy that this has become a staple in your household! It’s one in our house too, it’s hard to beat! Thank you for sharing and I’m glad hat vegetable broth works well too!
All the best! -Stephanie
I made this soup today and it was a huge hit. It was very easy. Everyone loved it. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Denise! That is AWESOME! Thank you so much for sharing, I’m so happy you all loved it as much as we do! Thank you for taking the time to let me know!! -Stephanie
Awesome recipe, thank you! I made a double batch using 1 ham bone and 4 ham hocks instead of the chopped ham, and it turned out perfectly!
YAYYY!! So happy to hear it Kyung, thank you for taking the time, I love hearing it, it always makes me so happy that the world can enjoy my mom’s classic recipe! 🙂
An absolute winner – this has become one of my favourite soups. Thanks for sharing!
That’s SO good to hear Tracy!! It’s amazing how simple it is, but I wouldn’t change a single thing about it! I actually just gave a batch to my in-laws, the visit after that they brought me a giant ham bone, “hint hint” –HAHA! I guess they want some more 😉 Who could blame them! Thanks for letting me know what you think and happy Friday!
Mom`s pea soup had broth,chopped onion,dried peas,ham bone, potatoes and salt and pepper. The addition of carrots, bay leaf and garlic only enhances the flavor (does not change it). I would not have added these on my own. Thank you for the idea! Great soup, it was a hit with the family.
Marcella!! YAAY!!! Yeah you can’t go wrong with this recipe at all, it’s from one of my grandmothers old cookbooks I just learned! Those are the best!!!
Loved the soup..I added a little celery I wanted to use up and a little Franks hot sauce.
Hey Karen! I’m so happy that you loved it and I absolutely love the idea of adding celery… and Frank’s Hot Sauce?! I’ll have to try that, it sounds good!! 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to rate/comment!
OMG. This is the most delicious soup . Thank you for sharing the recipe with us
Hi Marie, I’m so happy that you enjoyed this soup! It’s simple and just perfect! 🙂
Sorry but i have a ham bone with quite alot of ham on it. Is thay okay? Are you supposed to add ham to this recipe?
Hi Melissa! The more meat on the hambone, the better! Definitely, you are in for a great batch of soup!
The BEST EVER is an accurate description for this soup. I made your Mom’s soup using the “unsoaked” method and simmered it for several hours. I had a ham bone & chopped ham from that bone and I added turnip as well. I’ve made pea soup lots of times and they turned out pretty good but this is by far the best one. Hubby loved it. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Maggie! I am so happy to hear it!!!! I just made this recently myself, I gave a big batch to my in-laws, definitely a recipe that I don’t have to worry about people not liking!! Thanks so much for taking the time to rate and comment!! ❤️
Delicious! Great taste on a chill evening. I’m excited I found your blog😊
Hey Jody!!! I’m so happy that you enjoyed this soup, and am even happier that you found my blog!!!! 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to rate/comment, happy Friday!!
Stephanie, I have to say, I made this tonight for my whole family (wife, 4 kids) and it was a hit all the way around! Your mom has one hell of a recipe! We made this soup along with some grilled cheese sandwiches and it was a perfect meal for a chilly autumn day. I used smoked ham hock that I picked up at a meat market and it worked perfectly in place of a ham bone. Very flavorful and super easy to make!
Hi Shawn! I’m so happy this worked out for you- great news!! Thank you for taking the time to let me know!
simmer covered or uncovered?
Thank you,
Kat
Hey Kat! I usually just leave the lid cracked a little bit!
100% the best EVER! I’ve made this (split pea soup) for 2 years now after each holiday that I’ve made a ham, and I have to tell you, I will be HAPPILY deleting any and all other split pea soup recipes.. this is amazing! THANKS to you and your mom of course. Happy Thanksgiving! Great leftover recipe my top favorite so far!
Hey Kat! That makes me sooo happy!!!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how it came out for you!!!!
I’m attempting this recipe right now and just have a quick question. When do you cut the meat off of the ham bone? At the end, after it has been cooking for 2+ hours?
Hi Kristen! Honestly, either way is fine!! It doesn’t matter! 😁
This is a awesome recipe but instead of using chicken broth, i use a ham base. Add to taste.
I made this after Thanksgiving with my leftover ham bone. It was super easy & I have received nothing but great praise for how delicious this is! Thank you for a terrific soup!
Hi Bev! I am so happy to hear that!!! You’re the best, thank you for taking the time to comment and let me know! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
2nd time ive made this soup using the left over Thanksgiving pinapple brown suger glazed ham i made. Just coming to a boil right now
I love the smell it brings to the kitchen as it cooks. Ps i always add double the butter and cook it for like 4 hrs……..have to add some more broth or water but its worth the extra cook time! Thanks again for this great reciepe
Hi David! I love it! Thank you for taking the time to let me know what you think of the recipe! Have a great weekend!
Quick question… Bay leaves come out just before you serve?
Ah yes- remove those suckers before serving- I’ll update the recipe! Thank you!
Can I make it the night before then reheat it for a family gathering? Add the Potato the next day?
Hi Kristen! Absolutely you can!! It’ll taste even better the next day!
Excellent thank you! I’m very excited to try this recipe!
You had a recipe for your mom’s crock pot split pea soup. I made it&it was wonderful. I did not print a copy of it could you please put it out again. Thankyou
Hi Elaine, this “split pea soup” recipe is still my moms, nothing has changed so use this one! Enjoy!
Delicious!!! Cooked for just over 3 hours and probably the best soup I have ever had! I added a half of pack of bacon, cause who doesn’t like bacon :). Tried posting a pic of it but no idea how to do that on here! Highly highly recommend this beyond DELICIOUS SOUP!
You might want to include the step where you heat oil in pot and saute onions and carrotts to release flavor. Otherwise, people who do not know better are going to add oil and butter to the simmering soup.
Believe it or not, the original recipe in the old cookbook doesn’t say to cook the onions or oil first— as much as I want to question it, the soup comes out so perfectly every time that I don’t mess with it!
If you are using leftover ham instead of ham bone, do you put it in at the beginning?
The beginning is just fine!!!! Enjoy!
This is the second time in two weeks that I have made this! It is awsome! everyone loved it, so I’m doing it again!
That is so great to hear Ron! Totally makes my day. It’s definitely the best way to make use of Christmas ham, thank you for taking the time to comment and right! Happy new year! 😝
Loved it! I happen to have made bacon in the morning so I used some of the grease and sautéed onions and garlic in it first. Otherwise I followed the recipe and it was perfect!!
I made homemade croutons to top off this feel good hearty soup.
Hey Erin! Wow, that sounds absolutely perfect. What great variations! I am so happy you enjoyed it, thank you for taking the time to let me know how it came out, HAPPY New Year!
I have tried Many Pea Soup Recipes but this is the BEST by far. It had a great Taste, perfect consistency with chunks of carrots, and my Family raved about it. My Older Sons Lady was not a big Pea Soup person but completely changed her mind because of this, I passed the recipe on and now their Making it’ 5 ‘Stars and then Some for this one !! Note : I did have a Ham with a Brown Sugar Glaze,” Don’t Know if that may have added to its taste.
I tried ham and split pea soup in the past and didn’t like it.
I decided to give this recipe a try and LOVED IT! I even managed to impress my mom with this recipe lol. Will definitely make it again.
Hey Michelle! That is SOOO awesome, I am so so happy to hear that!! There is something about this soup, it’s just SO good- and yet so simple! I’m so glad that you were able to impress your mom a bit too, lol that never hurts! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and rate the recipe! Have a great weekend!
Holy cow–this is so delicious! And I even made it without the broth as I didn’t have any!
Thanks for sharing!
SOOO happy to hear it Debbie!! Wahooo!! Have a great weekend!!