This post has been updated for recipe and photos since its original publication in 2014.
If you love homemade split pea soup, this green pea soup recipe will be your new favorite. Ham Bone Split Pea Soup uses a handful of fresh vegetables and a leftover ham bone for a whole pot of easy split pea soup that’s ready in just over an hour.
I had misgivings about putting this green pea soup recipe on the blog. Not because of any flavor issues — but let’s face it — homemade split pea soup — that particular shade of green — doesn’t inspire you to devour bowl after bowl. No, really it’s the aroma that gets you and keeps you coming back. And of course, the taste! This is the way my Mom makes it.
So everyone put on your rose colored glasses and go with me on this. Homemade split pea soup is one of the homiest one-pot meals out there. Yes, chicken soup is good for the soul, but THIS is good for everything else.
This recipe is one of those stick-to-your-ribs wonders that’s rich and satisfying — warming you from the inside out. Plus, it goes great with a grilled cheese sandwich, or if you happen to have any of those angel flake biscuits left-over from the holidays, break them out, now!
Happily, this pea soup is easy to make and — it makes a lot! This meaty potage gets it’s creamy mouth-feel from those little split peas, which just dissolve into the broth. And by broth, I mean the ham bone and water. Split peas and lentils are the two legumes that don’t actually need an overnight soak or extensive cooking times, consequently, I always have a bag of each on hand for quick, easy, satisfying meals.
The key to this soup is the ham bone. It flavors the broth and provides body and mouth feel to the soup. As the ham bone simmers with the other ingredients, it releases natural gelatins that turns this soup into a jello-mold if you chill it overnight in the fridge. You know what I’m talking about. But just heat it up and it returns to that thick, savory amalgam. Man, is it good.
Ham bone split pea soup is so good, you’re gonna want to make a baked ham, just so you can use the bone for a homemade split pea soup.
More Ways To Use Dried Peas:
More easy bean soups:
- Ham Kale and Great Northern Bean Soup
- Smoky Black Bean and Ham Soup
- Red Bean and Sausage Soup
- Navy Bean Sausage and Escarole Soup
Ham Bone Split Pea Soup
ingredients
- 12 ounces dried split peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 carrots peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 leftover ham bone
- 4 sprigs thyme leaves tied with kitchen string
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups cool water - or more if soup gets too thick
- 1 1/2 cups ham pulled from the bone and shredded into bite sized pieces
- salt and pepper to taste
instructions
- In a large dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, and celery. Saute for five minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add the ham bone, peas, water, thyme and bay leaf. Stir and cover. Heat to a boil and reduce heat to medium low.
- Simmer for one hour or until peas have broken apart and soup is thick. Remove ham bone and discard. Stir in diced ham and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve.
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I just bought a Lodge dutch oven, and i use it quite frequently, with amazing results. I made this soup tonight, and it was fabulous! I did not have fresh thyme or bay leaves. So i subbed with 1 tblsp italian seasoning. The flavor was magnificent. Great recipe, it is now a part of my soup group!
I have always been afraid to make this soup, it was my favorite that my dad made when I was a kid. This recipe was easy and it came out just right. Only issue is I accidentally blended the bay leaf. I mixed all the ingredients except some extra ham and carrots, cooked them down for an hour, then blended it (guessing I blended 2 bay leaves, can’t find them so guess it’s ok). I then added the soup back to the pot and added the extra ham pieces and carrots. My house smells amazing!
LOL – that’s too funny about the bay leaf! I’m glad you like the soup, tho!
Hi Lisa, will not having celery effect it too much?
You can make it without the celery if you don’t have any, but it’s part of a classic mire poix, so get some for your next pot of soup!
I have yellow whole peas on the stove, they’ve been cooking about an hour and a half (and finally softening) and I also have chicken bones in the instant pot as i like to use my own broth, I plan to put the ham bone in the instant pot today as well to get some of that goodness. Tomorrow I will salute my veggies and add everything together and simmer, my question is, should I use the water the yellow peas are in as well or should I drain them and just add them to tomorrows broth?
I would use the same liquid you cooked the peas in. If they didn’t break down on their own, you can puree a cup or so to give the soup the creamy texture. See this post on yellow peas that I did… https://www.garlicandzest.com/yellow-peas-with-smoked-sausage/
Spruced mine with chicken stock and no olive oil, Butter makes everything better, and definitely cooked longer for a creamier soup.
Going to make this today, can I use 16oz of dried split peas? I have a 16oz bag and I know if I only use the 12oz recommended the rest of the peas will sit in my cupboard until they’re not good anymore.
by all means use the 16 oz. You may need more water, but that’s ok.
Yes
Can you use dried thyme if you don’t have fresh? How much?
Sure. Half a teaspoon works fine.
Hi I’m trying to make this right now. I only have hamhocks. Ok to use?
Yes, you can use ham hocks, but you probably won’t get any meat from the bones, however, it will flavor the soup nicely and add body.
We tried making some split pea and ham soup (Not your recipe unfortunately). Soaked the peas overnight, brought mixture to a boil in a dutch oven and simmered for a couple hours. Peas never got soft. What brand peas do you use? We used Goya split peas. HELP PLEASE. We both enjoy this type of soup but don’t want to make again, afraid same thing will happen. Thanks Dan
I’ve used Goya split peas as well as Iberia. Split peas don’t need to soak overnight, generally, and will break down in the soup when simmered for a long time. Do you know how old your dried peas were? Sometimes if they’re past their best buy date, you may have to cook them longer and may require more liquid (sometimes up to 2-3 cups more). Rest assured, they will eventually absorb the liquid and soften up. Just give it more time.
I bought a big ham and made 4 meals and some lunches with it. This was the finale and was my husbands favourite. Super easy and super tasty!
I’m so glad he enjoyed it! It is a simple recipe, but the results are the best!
Was told by a good friend that cooks at a church that I could use frozen green peas as long as I add them in the last 5 minutes. Otherwise they would get mushy and yes they are a substitution for split peas
Interesting, I’ve never tried that. Let me know how that works!
This is by far the best pea soup recipe I’ve ever tried! I did change it a little by using yellow split peas and adding peeled and cut up sweet potatoes or yams. Lots of flavor! Excellent!!
So glad you enjoyed it, Tina! Split yellow peas are great here too! Sweet potatoes sound like a fun twist.
Before I make this- we had a spiral ham. Is that bone the one you recommend? Is it okay if there is still some meat and fat on it? Maybe I should wrap it in cheesecloth.
Use it with the fat and meat! That’s the best way!
Sub rosemary or oregano if no thyme.
This was absolutely delicious and a perfect use of leftover Christmas ham!! It was super easy to make. I used fresh chicken stock that I purchased from a butcher and added a bit of water. I am so glad I found this recipe AND this website. See you again soon!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the soup, Susan!
After it comes to a boil then you reduce the heat do you leave the lid on or keep off while it simmers
Keep the lid on, but slightly askew so some steam can release.
Can this be made with frozen peas?
I’ve never tried it with frozen peas, but I don’t think I would because frozen peas are essentially blanched fresh peas. The beauty of using the dried peas is that they absorb the liquid and plump. Since fresh frozen peas don’t need to absorb as much water, the soup wouldn’t have that same thick, rich consistency.
I was very happy with this recipe. I love my hearty soups and hadn’t tried this since I was a child. After the holiday ham, I saved the bone. I added extra veggies and ham because I enjoy my soup thick and filling. Brought bread to go with and we never even opened it up. SO GOOD. Even my significant other who has never liked it, tried it and took some for lunch today. Plus, as a weight watchers member this is well within my points. THANK YOU!!!
I am so glad that you enjoyed it Rita!
We made this tonight and we all loved it! My kids (8, 12 & 14) all took second helpings. This recipe is is simple, easy and perfect. Thank you!!!
I just made this and it was wonderful. Amazing favor and so simple. Thank you!
I’m making this right now as I text. It looked like a good one to make a simple enough. So I’ll let you know after supper. And I just might make grilled cheese sandwiches to go with it. As this is the weather here in Northern Ontario Canada…..
BRRRR. Northern Ontario? You deserve a grilled cheese too!
i always use the yellow split peas looks better than that green,but mine takes more than an hour to cook, i just simmer it an d stir it a lot to keep it sticking to the bottom of the pot.
I actually have yellow peas (whole) in my pantry… time to use them.
Fantastic recipe. There was not a spoonful left when dinner was over.
I was waiting for Fall to thaw out our Easter ham bone but yesterdays mid May forecast in California was an entire week of rain.
That and a friend stopped by with a beautiful loaf of sourdough bread made this choice a no brainer. I followed your instructions almost to a tee, except I removed a 1/4 cup of split peas half way through while adding the fresh thyme and black pepper. I like to thin out any leftovers with a little stock and some intact peas before reheating. The entire house still smell wonderful, Thank You
So glad you enjoyed the soup, Don! With that kind of weather, I’d be making a pot myself!
Am making this now! Do you use any of the liquid used to cook ham and pea. Thanks so much for sharing.
The ham bone and peas cook together with the water. That’s why it’s a favorite recipe — it’s so easy. If the soup seems thick, you can add additional water 1/2 cup to 1 cup at a time.
It’ snot the ham bone that turns the chilled soup into a gelatinous mold. It’s the peas themselves. If you don’t believe it, try making the soup with no ham or ham bone and stick it in the fridge overnight. Green or yellow peas, doesn’t matter. You can slice it with a knife in the morning.
You’re right, but the ham bone gives it body and actually does release its collagen. It’s more than just solid — it’s “wiggly”.
Thanks for this recipe. It was simple & delicious. Had just had Easter Spiral Ham so I always think “split pea soup”: having the ham bone. I have a question though. Been watching my calories and Im curious what a ‘serving’ is? I see its 280 calories per serving but does say how many it makes or how much equals one serving. Thanks in advance !
So glad you like it Ida. This recipe makes 6 servings – each should be about 1 1/2-2 cups. Hope that helps.
I’m so loving this recipe. My father in law always gives me his ham bone to make him soup. So its cooking right now and I’ll even drop some off for my mom tomorrow too. I do let the ham bone cook for a while first to get all the good stuff out and I presoak my peas. Then I add all your delicious veggies. I’m trying 1 potatoe this time…..make it thicker and I used 1/2 chicken stock and 1/2 water. Mmmmmm
Lisa, WOW! so simple, yet SO tasty! This is fantastic, yum. Thanks for the recipe.
The best things tend to be the simplest!
I just made it tonight & it was very good. We are having a very windy, raining night so it was perfect.
That’s the perfect weather for this kind of soup!
Do you have to steep peas before hand?
No, you don’t. The peas are so small that they’ll cook in no time, so no need to pre-soak.
Making it to tonight! Since my hambone was more on the meatier side I simmered it for 5 hours , with garlic, celery sprigs and onion buts . Drained it with cheese clothe and soaked the peas in warm water and course salt and lemon juice . Then followed the recipe with everything …. already smells amazing
Sounds delicious, Kendra! I hope you and your family enjoy it!
I’m making this tomorrow, can’t wait. Thank goodness I have a ham bone in freezer and veggies in refrigerator. I’ll let you know the results.
Enjoy it Betty! One of our favorites!
A delicious recipe that needs a little more time than recommended. I like a thicker pea soup.
If you like it thicker, you can also cut back slightly on the liquid added… but beware — if you don’t add enough you’ll have split pea SCOOP!
Added carrots and minced garlic. And some salt. Also used a quart of chicken broth and 2 c. water. Can’t wait to see how this comes out!
What about using chicken broth as part of the liquid, like half water, half chicken broth. Wondering if it would add to the flavor or take away from it. Also, I want to make this soup right now without going to the market. I have everything but the thyme sprigs. Instead I have a bottle of organic thyme leaves. Do you think thyme leaves (bottle of spices, dried thyme leaves) would work? If so, how many teaspoon/tablespoons of thyme leaves do you think would be the equivalent?
Hi Dano. You could use half water and chicken broth — but if you have a ham bone, that’s where the flavor will come from. You can also use dried thyme — I would think about 1/2 teaspoon would be the right amount.
Great recipe. I did make a few additions. I cooked a couple of small, diced potatoes and added those at the end. I also added a teaspoon of lemon juice and curry powder. Nothing wrong with this recipe , just some options.
Very nice additions, Mary! Thanks for sharing!
I love the simple ingredients you use as some recipes call for too much. Was looking for a longer “slow cooked crock pot recipe”. as my neighbor swears by the method to bring out more flavor, but she doesn’t like celery and I do, which you include. Wondering about the best way to adapt your recipe to a longer cook time? Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. Soup looks great!
Hi Stan! So glad you like this soup. You can absolutely do this soup in a crock pot. Just sauté the veg in a skillet first and then add all the ingredients to your crock pot. Put it on low for 4-6 hours. If it thickens too much add water about 1/2 a cup at a time. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
The problem with this recipe, is it’s a bit of a risk putting the ham bone in at the same time as when you’re cooking the soup. It’s better to boil the ham bone alone in water and perhaps seasonings and let it boil down into stock first before using it to make the soup. That gives your bone and meat a chance to separate apart, including all the bits of gristle and fat, so that all you’re eventually using in your soup is the meat, and then re-add the bone by itself when you start boiling the stock again to cook the soup. Also, let the stock sit in the cold for a while, so any melted fat and other contents can solidify on the top of your liquid, so it can be easily removed. Makes for a healthier soup!
That sounds like a really good idea, too. Will have to try that with my next ham bone! Thanks for the tip!
Super easy and flavorful!
Yum! What a perfect meal on a cold fall evening!
That ham bone add so much flavor! What a great idea! Can’t wait for cooler weather.
I love all the veggies in this soup – Delish!
Tis the season for amazing soul warming soup! This split pea soup sounds delicious! I am going to surprise my mom and make it for her this weekend!
Using the whole bone adds so much more flavor to this soup – it’s so delicious!!
This looks perfect! I’m such a big fan of simple, healthy, winter soups!
My granddaughter and great granddaughter love this. The baby asks me to fix it all the time. It is delicious.
I’m glad to know they enjoy it, Vicki! Split pea is always a favorite in my family too!
Made this today and I can honestly say it was delicious! Thanks Lisa, keep ’em coming!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
I love split pea and ham soup. This is such a perfect and comforting recipe for the rainy weather right now – thanks for sharing it!
It’s simple, but delicious. Thanks, Thalia!