Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

If there’s one thing that can turn a gloomy, cold evening into a cozy, soul-warming experience, it’s a steaming bowl of pea and ham soup. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with rich, smoky aromas, the kind that makes your stomach growl long before dinner is served.

The beauty of this pea and ham soup recipe lies in its simplicity. No fancy ingredients, no complicated techniques—just a handful of pantry staples, a good old ham hock, and time. And the best part? It practically cooks itself, whether you choose the slow cooker, stovetop, or pea and ham soup pressure cooker method.

It’s also the perfect way to use up that leftover holiday ham bone, transforming scraps into a meal that tastes like something you’d find in your grandmother’s kitchen. If you love hearty soups like this, you might also enjoy this Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe—another easy, comforting dish!

Why This Pea and Ham Soup Recipe is a Must-Try

• One-Pot Wonder – Just toss everything in and let time do the work.
• Flavor Explosion – The ham hock infuses the soup with deep, smoky richness.
• Budget-Friendly – Simple ingredients, big flavors.
• Meal-Prep Gold – Freezes beautifully for future lazy days.
• Healthy and Wholesome – Packed with protein and fiber.

The Ingredients You Need

• 1 ham hock (or leftover ham bone with some meat attached)
• 2 cups green split peas, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 6 cups water (yes, just water—the ham does the rest)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pro Tip: If your ham hock isn’t meaty enough, throw in some diced ham for extra depth. Want even more richness? Add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of warmth.

The Magic of a Ham Hock

A ham hock might not sound glamorous, but it’s the secret to the deep, smoky goodness of this soup. It’s a cured and smoked section of pork leg, packed with collagen, which breaks down during cooking and gives the broth a silky texture.

Where to Buy Ham Hocks

• Supermarkets – Usually vacuum-packed near the fresh meats.
• Butcher shops – Often fresher and meatier.
• Delis – Some carry them alongside smoked meats.

If you can’t find one, don’t panic. A leftover ham bone works just as well, and if you’re feeling extra, toss in some bacon for added smokiness.

What Are Split Peas and Why Are They Perfect for This Soup?

Split peas are dried, peeled green peas that cook down into a creamy consistency. Unlike beans, they don’t need soaking and break down beautifully into a thick, hearty soup.

Are Split Peas Healthy?

Absolutely. They’re high in fiber, rich in plant-based protein, and keep you full for hours. However, they do contain complex carbohydrates, so if you’re on a low-carb diet, portion control is key.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Pea and Ham Soup

Slow Cooker Method

1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours.
3. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and discard the bone.
4. Blend the soup partially with an immersion blender for a creamy yet chunky texture.
5. Return the ham to the pot, stir, and season to taste.

Stovetop Method

1. Sauté onion, garlic, celery, and carrots in a large pot for a few minutes.
2. Add split peas, ham hock, water, and seasonings.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove the ham, shred it, and return it to the pot.

Pea and Ham Soup Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Method

1. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the lid and set to HIGH pressure for 30 minutes.
3. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the ham, shred, and return it to the soup. Blend if desired.

If you love comforting soups, you might also enjoy this Beef Barley Soup—another slow-cooked classic.

How Long Should You Cook Pea and Ham Soup?

• Slow Cooker: 8-10 hours on LOW
• Stovetop: 2-3 hours
• Pressure Cooker: 30 minutes + natural release

Flavor Boosters & Variations

• Extra smoky flavor – Add smoked paprika.
• Fresh herbs – Stir in chopped parsley or thyme at the end.
• Creamier texture – Blend fully or add a splash of heavy cream.
• Spicy kick – A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes works wonders.

For more cozy soups, check out this Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe.

How to Store & Reheat Pea and Ham Soup

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for 4-5 days.

Freezer

• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Heat over medium until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

What to Serve with Pea and Ham Soup

• Crusty bread – The perfect vehicle for scooping up thick, hearty soup.
• Garlic bread – Even better when slathered with butter.
• A fresh salad – Try it with cucumber salad or carrot slaw.

FAQs

Do I need to soak split peas?
Nope! They cook quickly and break down naturally.

Can I use bacon instead of ham?
Yes, but the flavor won’t be as deep.

How do I make it less salty?
Rinse the ham hock before cooking and adjust seasoning at the end.

More Comforting Soups to Try

• Mexican Street Corn Soup – Sweet, creamy, and packed with flavor.
• Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup – Hearty and comforting.

For expert cooking tips, check out Serious Eats and The Kitchn.

Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

A comforting pea and ham soup recipe that’s rich, hearty, and full of deep, smoky flavor. Perfect for making in the slow cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot (pressure cooker). Simple ingredients, easy preparation, and a guaranteed family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Stovetop 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Cuisine Comfort Food, Soup

Servings 7 Servings

Ingredients

  

• 1 ham hock or leftover ham bone with meat
• 2 cups green split peas rinsed
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 6 cups water no broth needed
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Slow Cooker Method:
• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours.
• Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and discard the bone.
• Blend the soup partially with an immersion blender for a creamy yet chunky texture.
• Return the shredded ham to the pot, stir, and season to taste.
• Stovetop Method:
• Heat a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion, garlic, celery, and carrots for a few minutes.
• Add split peas, ham hock, water, and seasonings.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
• Pea and Ham Soup Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Method:
• Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
• Seal the lid and set to HIGH pressure for 30 minutes.
• Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes.
• Remove the ham, shred, and return it to the soup. Blend if desired.

Notes

• For extra smokiness, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
• If your ham hock isn’t meaty enough, toss in some extra diced ham.
• Soup thickens as it cools—add water if reheating.
• Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Keyword Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

This pea and ham soup recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose the slow cooker, stovetop, or pea and ham soup pressure cooker method, you’re guaranteed a bowl of pure, hearty goodness. Give it a try and enjoy every spoonful!