Pin A hearty, comforting soup packed with smoky flavor from bacon and canned ham, perfect for chilly days.
I first made this soup when searching for a way to use up leftover canned ham after a holiday meal. Adding bacon elevated the smokiness and now it is a cold-weather favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients
- Bacon: 4 oz chopped
- Canned ham: 1 (12 oz) can diced, reserve juices
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Split peas: 1 lb dried, rinsed and sorted
- Chicken broth: 6 cups low-sodium
- Water: 2 cups
- Bay leaf: 1
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: To taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon:
- In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving fat in the pot.
- Soften vegetables:
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring, until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Combine ingredients:
- Add split peas, canned ham and juices, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, and pepper. Stir.
- Simmer soup:
- Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 1 hour until peas are very tender. Stir occasionally.
- Purée soup:
- Remove bay leaf. Use immersion blender to partially purée for creamier texture, or leave chunky.
- Season:
- Taste and add salt and more pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with reserved bacon.
Pin This soup has become a go-to dish in our family for winter dinners. It is always a hit with everyone, especially when served with warm bread.
Variations
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and bacon and use vegetable broth. You can add smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor or include diced potatoes and chopped parsley for more variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your split pea soup with crusty bread or your favorite crackers. It pairs well with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Freezing
Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It freezes well in portions and can be reheated, thinning with broth or water if needed.
Pin This satisfying soup brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. Enjoy every spoonful with loved ones on chilly evenings.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon and canned ham, and use vegetable broth instead. Adding smoked paprika can provide a subtle smoky flavor.
- → How do I achieve a creamy texture without cream?
Partially blending the soup with an immersion blender softens the peas and vegetables, creating a creamy consistency without dairy.
- → What can I use instead of canned ham?
Fresh smoked ham or diced cooked ham work well. Adjust cooking times if using fresh meat to ensure tenderness.
- → Is it necessary to reserve bacon fat?
Yes, cooking vegetables in the bacon fat enhances the soup’s depth of flavor and richness.
- → Can leftovers be stored and reheated?
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for several days. They may thicken when cold; stir in water or broth during reheating to adjust consistency.
