This ham hock and split pea soup stovetop recipe takes minutes to prepare and can simmer all afternoon. Warm, delicious and loaded in fiber and protein – it is sure to hit the spot and keep you full throughout the afternoon.
Anyone else love soup season as much as I do? Healthy, affordable, and oh-so-comforting, I love getting cozy with a warm bowl of soup as the temps drop.
Hearty, smoky and full of chunky vegetables, the best part about this Split Pea Soup with Ham is that it literally takes minutes to prepare and can sit and simmer all afternoon.
Do you brown bag it to work? Make a big batch on Sunday and bring it to work throughout the week.
Never used a ham hock? Look for them near the ham area of your meat department. They cost just pennies and are a great way to flavor soups and greens.
Don’t have one on hand? Try a few slices of bacon or ham instead. A little smoky, salty flavor will enhance the whole pot. Looking to do a slow cooker version instead? Take a look at this recipe.
Your spoon is waiting.
Yes. Either will work.
Split Pea Soup With Ham Hocks
Ingredients
- 3 carrots diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 leaves bay
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups split green peas dried and sorted
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 4 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 2 cups water
- salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic vinegar optional garnish
Instructions
- Saute carrots, onion and celery in a large soup pot over medium high heat using non stick spray.
- Season with salt and pepper before adding oregano, bay and garlic.
- Saute 60 more seconds then add peas and ham hock.
- Season with a bit more salt and pepper then add in broth and water. Bring to a boil then simmer for 45 minutes until peas are tender.
- Check for seasoning and add salt or pepper if needed.
- Remove ham hock and bay leaves before serving with a splash of balsamic on top to taste.
Chef’s Notes
Nutrition
Looking for more tasty soup recipes? Check out my Pinterest Board!
Denise
Hi! What do you mean by dried and sorted for the split peas? Also do you pull the meat off the ham hock after simmering for 45 minutes? Your soup looks like it has chunks of ham in it! Looks so good! Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
You want to sort through the split peas to make sure no rocks! Yes i would pull the meat off when it’s tender. :)
N Claison
Cub Grocery sells “pork hocks.” How are they different from ham hocks? I don’t like the nitrate/nitrite chemicals used to smoke pork, and their pork hocks are not smoked. Will pork hocks make this soup taste different than ham hocks?
Liz DellaCroce
either would work!!
Megan Stevens
Mmm, one of my favorite comfort food soups!
Liz DellaCroce
So so good!
Anne Lawton
This soup looks so good, and I love that this soup looks more like a stew.
Liz DellaCroce
Yes totally!! Happy new Year Anne!
Catherine Baez Sholl
I love split peas! I grew up in the Dominican Republic eating them with rice pretty often. This soup looks amazing!
Liz DellaCroce
Oooo that sounds so good!
STACEY CRAWFORD
I haven’t had split pea and ham soup since I was a kid! Looks so darn good! Perfect for cold weather.
Liz DellaCroce
Isnt it the best? Total comfort!
Renee D Kohley
My girls just adore split pea soup, and how special with that leftover ham hock it must be! Thanks for sharing!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it!
Jean
This looks so delicious! Ham hocks make such a great hearty addition to soup. Can’t wait to try this.
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it!
Lindsey Dietz
Total comfort food! I’ve never cooked with split peas before, but this is inspiring me!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it!!
Raia Todd
Sounds like comfort food!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it!
LC
Interested in trying out this recipe but I am wondering…what does c mean as a measurement, e.g. 2 c water / 2 c split green peas?
Thank you.
Liz DellaCroce
Forgive me – it means cups! I will update the recipe to make it more clear.
LC
No worries. Thanks for your prompt reply :)
Stefanie
This sounds delicious – although I'm vegetarian, so I'd omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead. I wonder if it'd still be as good? :)
Liz Della Croce
It won't be as smokey but it will still be delicious!
Leah
Do u have an alternative to ham/ pork? We don't eat pork
Liz Della Croce
You can leave it out- will taste great ithoutbit!
Liz Della Croce
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Tara Rosin
I just made this soup and it is great especially on a cold day like today – I didn't have a ham hock so I used a ham steak – I really like when the cook offers alternatives for hard to find items. Thank you :-)….