5 Best Ham And Pea Soup Recipes

delicious ham and pea soups

Are you ready to warm your soul with some delicious ham and pea soup? Whether you've got leftover holiday ham or just want a cozy meal, these five recipes are sure to hit the spot. From the classic version that's a crowd-pleaser to a creamy twist that's downright indulgent, there's something for everyone. And don't forget the spicy and herby options that'll keep your taste buds on their toes. Let's dig into these scrumptious soups!

Classic Ham and Pea Soup

Classic Ham and Pea Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of ham with the natural sweetness of peas. This timeless recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham, making it a great choice after holiday gatherings.

The combination of vegetables and seasonings creates a creamy and satisfying soup that can warm you up on a chilly day. With its simple preparation and delicious results, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups diced cooked ham
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the garlic, bay leaf, and thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the rinsed split peas and chicken broth to the pot, bringing everything to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the peas are tender. Stir in the diced ham and continue to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Extra Tips:

For a creamier texture, consider using an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup before adding the ham.

If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can add a smoked ham hock in place of the diced ham, allowing it to simmer until the meat is tender, then shredding and returning it to the pot.

Additionally, this soup freezes well, so feel free to make a double batch and store some for later. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

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Creamy Ham and Pea Soup

ham and pea soup

Creamy ham and pea soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. With its rich, velvety texture and the delightful combination of smoky ham and sweet peas, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty lunch.

It's easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour, making it a fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 pound cooked ham, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups frozen peas
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.

Add the diced carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Stir in the diced ham and cook for another 2 minutes.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Add the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes until they're heated through.

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth, then stir in the heavy cream.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and heat through before serving.

Extra Tips:

For an even richer flavor, consider using leftover ham from a holiday meal or a smoked ham hock.

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the pot before blending.

Feel free to experiment with additional spices like thyme or bay leaves for extra depth.

Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal, and don't forget to top it off with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color!

Slow Cooker Ham and Pea Soup

Slow Cooker Ham and Pea Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for chilly days or when you're looking for an easy and delicious meal to prepare. This recipe combines tender ham, sweet peas, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. The slow cooker not only makes the preparation a breeze but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a soup that's both rich and satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 1 cup dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
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Cooking Instructions:

In a slow cooker, combine the diced ham, split peas, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.

If you prefer, you can sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil for about 5 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker to enrich their flavors.

Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.

Extra Tips:

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a smoked ham hock to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients; it will impart a wonderful smokiness to the soup.

If you have leftovers, this soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for later use.

When reheating, you may need to add a little more broth or water as the soup can thicken over time.

Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, as the flavors can intensify during cooking.

Spicy Ham and Pea Soup

hearty spicy soup recipe

Spicy Ham and Pea Soup is a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish, bringing warmth and flavor to your table. This recipe combines the rich, savory taste of ham with the freshness of peas and a hint of spice to enhance the traditional soup experience.

Whether you're looking to use up leftover ham or simply seeking a hearty meal, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings while warming you up on chilly days.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups diced cooked ham
  • 1 cup green split peas, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, stirring for another minute until fragrant.

Next, introduce the diced ham and rinsed split peas to the pot, followed by the chicken broth and bay leaf.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender.

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Stir occasionally and add salt to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Extra Tips:

For an even spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the soup.

If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender, or transfer a few cups to a blender and puree before returning it to the pot.

This soup can also be made in a slow cooker; simply combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

To make it a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a delightful dinner option.

Ham and Pea Soup With Herbs

Ham and pea soup with herbs is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for chilly evenings or when you're looking for a nutritious meal. The combination of tender peas and savory ham, complemented by fragrant herbs, creates a deliciously satisfying soup that's sure to please the whole family. Using either fresh or dried peas, this recipe allows the natural flavors to shine through while offering a burst of color and nutrition.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried green split peas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ham hock or 2 cups diced cooked ham
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the dried split peas, ham hock or diced ham, broth, thyme, and rosemary to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened. If using a ham hock, remove it at the end of cooking, shred any meat, and return it to the soup before serving.

Extra Tips:

For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender before serving.

If you prefer a thicker soup, add a bit more split peas or let it simmer longer to reduce. Experiment with additional herbs like bay leaves or dill to customize the flavor to your liking.

Always taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving, as the saltiness of the ham can vary. Enjoy your warm bowl of ham and pea soup!


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