Split Pea Soup with Leftover Ham (Hearty & Flavorful!)

Turn your leftover ham into a warm, comforting bowl of split pea soup! This soup is thick, rich, and loaded with tender split peas, smoky ham, and hearty vegetables. It’s a one-pot, budget-friendly meal that tastes even better the next day—perfect for chilly nights or meal prep!

---

👉 Ingredients

• 1 lb dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 ½ cups leftover ham, diced (or a ham bone for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds depth)
• 6 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 medium potato, diced (optional, for extra creaminess)

---

👉 Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup

1. Add the split peas, ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, and potato (if using).
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. If using a ham bone, remove it after cooking, shred any meat off the bone, and stir it back into the soup.

Step 3: Blend & Serve

1. If you prefer a thicker, creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup while keeping some texture.
2. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Serve warm with crusty bread or cornbread!

---

⭐ What Sides Go Well with This Dish?

• Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping.
• Side Salad – A fresh, light contrast to the rich soup.
• Buttery Biscuits – A great alternative to bread.

---

🔄 Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-chopped frozen onions, carrots, and celery to save prep time.
• Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later!
• No need to soak split peas—they soften as they cook.

---

🧒 Kid-Friendly Tweaks

• Blend the soup until smooth for a creamier, less chunky texture.
• Serve with grilled cheese or crackers for extra fun!
• Add a bit of extra ham for a meatier bite.

---

🔄 Ingredient Swaps

• No ham? Use cooked bacon or smoked sausage.
• No chicken broth? Use vegetable broth or water + bouillon.
• No thyme? Swap for Italian seasoning or dried oregano.

This Split Pea Soup with Leftover Ham is thick, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect cozy meal to make the most of your leftover ham. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! 🍵🥖💕