Hearty Split Pea, Ham, and Bacon Soup: A Culinary Hug

My grandmother, bless her soul, was a master of transforming humble ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Her split pea soup, simmered for hours on a cold winter day, was legendary. The aroma alone was enough to warm you from the inside out, and that first spoonful—a savory, smoky blend of tender peas, salty ham, and crisp bacon—was pure comfort in a bowl. This recipe is my attempt to recapture that memory, with a few modern tweaks for a slightly lighter, but equally satisfying, version.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 3 hours (depending on method)
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes – 3 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 10-12
• Yield: About 12 cups
• Dietary Type: Potentially Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (check bacon and broth ingredients)

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) bag dried split green peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 7 slices turkey bacon
• 3 cups turkey ham, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon celery seed)
• 1 quart chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups additional water (optional)
• 3 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)

Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Instructions

1. First, prepare your vegetables. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Finely chop the carrots and celery. If you’re using celery seed instead of fresh celery, set that aside for later.
2. Next, crisp up the turkey bacon. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s browned and crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once it’s cool enough to handle, crumble or chop the bacon. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
3. Using the bacon fat, sauté the onion and garlic in the same pot over medium heat until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes. This builds a flavorful base for the soup.
4. Option 1 (Faster Method):
   • Add the split green peas, chopped turkey ham, chopped carrots, chopped celery (or celery seed), and chicken broth to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender and have begun to break down.
   • Stir in the crumbled or chopped bacon during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
5. Option 2 (Longer Simmer for Mushier Peas):
   • Add the split green peas, chopped turkey ham, chopped carrots, chopped celery (or celery seed), chicken broth, and the additional 4 cups of water to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, covered, for about 3 hours, or until about half of the peas are very soft and have broken down, creating a thicker consistency.
   • Stir in the crumbled or chopped bacon during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
6. Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk 3 tablespoons of flour with a little cold water to form a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help to thicken the soup as it simmers.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the flavors will meld and deepen as the soup simmers.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the Peas: While not strictly necessary, soaking the split peas in water for a few hours (or overnight) can help to reduce the cooking time slightly. Drain the peas before adding them to the pot.
• Browning the Bacon: Don’t skip browning the bacon in the pot first! The rendered bacon fat adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the entire soup.
• Turkey Bacon Substitute: If you prefer regular bacon, feel free to substitute it. Keep in mind that this will increase the fat content of the soup.
• Vegetarian Variation: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the bacon and ham. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.
• Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup along with the other seasonings.
• Using a Pressure Cooker: This soup can also be made in a pressure cooker for a faster cooking time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your pressure cooker and adjust the liquid accordingly. Typically, you’ll reduce the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes on high pressure.
• Achieving the Right Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup for a creamier texture. Be careful not to over-blend, or it will become gummy.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Split Pea, Ham, and Bacon Soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt (optional), a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a few extra crumbles of bacon. A crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwich makes a perfect accompaniment.

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little extra broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate values per serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	206 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	28 g	–
Total Fat	3.1 g	4%
Saturated Fat	0.8 g	3%
Cholesterol	8.8 mg	2%
Sodium	446.2 mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate	30.6 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	12.2 g	48%
Sugars	5.3 g	–
Protein	14.9 g	29%

Variations & Substitutions

• Smoked Ham Hock: For a richer, smokier flavor, use a smoked ham hock instead of chopped turkey ham. Add the ham hock to the pot along with the peas and broth, and remove it before serving. Shred the meat from the ham hock and return it to the soup.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, turnips, or parsnips.
• Herb Infusion: Add a bay leaf or a sprig of fresh thyme to the soup while it simmers for added flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
• Spice Boost: A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick to the soup.
• Alternative Legumes: While split peas are traditional, you can experiment with other legumes, such as lentils or navy beans. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do I need to soak the split peas before making the soup?
A: Soaking is not strictly necessary, but it can help to reduce the cooking time slightly. If you choose to soak them, do so for a few hours or overnight, then drain them before adding them to the pot.

Q: Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
A: Yes, you can use regular bacon for a richer flavor. Keep in mind that this will increase the fat content of the soup.

Q: How can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Omit the bacon and ham, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.

Q: How long can I store leftover soup?
A: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Q: Can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
A: Yes, you can whisk 3 tablespoons of flour with a little cold water to form a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken it. Alternatively, simmer uncovered to allow the liquid to reduce.

Final Thoughts

This Split Pea, Ham, and Bacon Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience. I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own version, tailored to your taste and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process and the delicious results! Pair this soup with a hearty grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience. I encourage you to share your feedback and any variations you try – happy cooking!