Save A hearty, comforting soup packed with smoky flavor from bacon and canned ham, perfect for chilly days.
I first tried making split pea soup with canned ham on a rainy weekend, and the result was so delicious that it became a family favorite for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- Bacon: 4 oz (115 g), chopped
- Canned ham: 1 (12 oz/340 g) can, diced (reserve juices if possible)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Split peas: 1 lb (450 g) dried, rinsed and sorted
- Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium
- Water: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Bay leaf: 1
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon:
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add remaining ingredients:
- Add split peas, canned ham (plus juices if possible), chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender.
- Purée (optional):
- Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup for a creamier texture, or leave chunky.
- Season:
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon.
Save This soup was a hit at our last family get-together, with everyone coming back for seconds and reminding me that simple ingredients can bring big smiles.
Serving Ideas
Pair with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Variations
For a vegetarian option, omit ham and bacon, use vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika for depth.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Soup thickens—just add a splash of broth or water before reheating.
Save Enjoy this soup as a cozy weeknight dinner or share with friends at your next gathering. Its rich flavor makes it unforgettable.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use fresh ham instead of canned ham?
Fresh ham can be used but may alter the cooking time and flavor intensity. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
- → How do I ensure the split peas cook evenly?
Rinse and sort peas before cooking, then simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until very tender.
- → Is it necessary to reserve bacon fat?
Yes, bacon fat adds depth and richness to the base by cooking vegetables in it before adding liquids.
- → What if I prefer a smoother texture?
Use an immersion blender to partially or fully purée the soup to your preferred consistency.
- → How can I adapt the soup for vegetarian diets?
Omit bacon and ham, substitute vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika to maintain smoky flavor.