Can I use fresh ham instead of canned ham?

Fresh ham can be used but may require adjustments in cooking time and added seasoning to match the smoky depth canned ham provides.

How can I make the soup creamier?

Use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup after cooking, which yields a smoother texture while retaining some chunkiness.

Yes, rendering the bacon fat and using it to sauté vegetables enhances the soup’s smoky flavor and richness.

Yes, after sautéing bacon and vegetables, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until peas are tender.

Thin the reheated soup with a bit of water or broth to restore the desired consistency.

Thyme and bay leaf are used here for their subtle earthiness, but rosemary or parsley can be added for variety.

A hearty comforting soup packed with smoky flavor from bacon and canned ham, perfect for chilly days.

I first made this recipe during a busy weeknight and it quickly became a family favorite for its rich flavor and simple steps.

Cook bacon:: In a large pot cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with slotted spoon and set aside leaving fat in the pot.
Sauté vegetables:: Add chopped onion carrots and celery to pot. Cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until softened.
Add garlic:: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine main ingredients:: Add split peas diced canned ham plus juices chicken broth water bay leaf thyme and pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer:: Bring mixture to boil reduce heat to low cover and simmer for 1 hour stirring occasionally until peas are tender.
Finish texture:: Remove bay leaf. Use immersion blender to partially purée soup for creamier texture or leave chunky.
Season and serve:: Taste soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot garnished with reserved bacon.

Serving this soup always brings back memories of chilly evenings when everyone gathered around for second helpings.

Try substituting smoked turkey for bacon and ham or add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.

Pair the soup with crusty bread or gluten-free crackers to make a full meal.

Each serving is about 350 calories with 11 g fat 36 g carbohydrates and 23 g protein.

This soup is sure to satisfy with every spoonful and makes a tasty lunch for days ahead.

→ Can I use fresh ham instead of canned ham?: Fresh ham can be used but may require adjustments in cooking time and added seasoning to match the smoky depth canned ham provides.
→ How can I make the soup creamier?: Use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup after cooking, which yields a smoother texture while retaining some chunkiness.
→ Is it necessary to reserve bacon fat for cooking vegetables?: Yes, rendering the bacon fat and using it to sauté vegetables enhances the soup’s smoky flavor and richness.
→ Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?: Yes, after sautéing bacon and vegetables, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until peas are tender.
→ How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick when reheated?: Thin the reheated soup with a bit of water or broth to restore the desired consistency.
→ What herbs complement the flavors in this soup?: Thyme and bay leaf are used here for their subtle earthiness, but rosemary or parsley can be added for variety.