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simple split pea soup

RedonkulousHomunculus avatar
Recipe by
Margaret G
@RedonkulousHomunculus
Cleveland, OH

I love a good, thick, smooth, hammy split pea soup! What a familiar, comfy flavor! But I almost never have a ham hock lying around. I do, however, buy ham steaks regularly, to portion out, freeze, and use in various recipes. I also save the little bones from the ham steaks. In this soup, two of those bones plus the addition of one slice of premium bacon impart a rich, savory flavor, without needing a ham hock or ham bone. Even if you don't have any bones or bacon and only have diced ham, just add a little extra ham. Toss in a whole jalapeno to add dimension and smokiness, too.

yield 10 serving(s)
prep time 15 Min
cook time 5 Hr
method Slow Cooker Crock Pot

Ingredients For simple split pea soup

  • 2 c
    finely diced ham (i cut up a frozen ham steak)
  • 1 1/2 c
    finely diced carrots
  • 1 1/2 c
    finely diced celery
  • 1/2
    finely diced onion
  • 2 c
    dried split peas, rinsed
  • 32 oz
    low sodium chicken broth
  • 3 c
    water
  • 1
    bay leaf
  • 1 tsp
    parsley, dried
  • 1/2 tsp
    basil, dried
  • 1/4 tsp
    marjoram, dried
  • 1/4 tsp
    freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp
    rosemary, dried
  • 1-2 slice
    (optional) raw, thick-cut uncured applewood smoked bacon, cut up into small bits
  • 2
    (optional) bones from a ham steak
  • 1
    (optional) whole small jalapeno, do not cut.

How To Make simple split pea soup

  • 1
    1. Combine all ingredients in crockpot, cook on low 6 hours or high 3 hours OR In a large pot, bring to boil on stovetop, reduce heat and simmer 2-3 hours or until desired consistency, stirring occasionally. **REMOVE BONE AND BAY LEAF BEFORE BLENDING AND/OR SERVING**
  • 2
    Tip 1: Freeze your ham and dice it while frozen for small, uniform bits. (I buy ham steaks and divide into 4 oz portions to use in various recipes) Tip 2: Let your nose, eyes, and taste buds feel your way to the soup's done-ness. Cooking times will vary. Use the crock pot for more freedom to roam while this cooks.
  • 3
    If you like a creamier, smoother soup, use an immersion blender or blend some or all of the soup (in small batches) in a blender. I blend about 1/3 of mine. Remove bone and bay leaf before blending!
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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