One chilly evening, I craved something warm and hearty. That's when I discovered high protein split pea soup with ham, which quickly became a family favorite. The comforting blend of tender peas and savory ham warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for those cold nights.

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavors and textures. The split peas create a creamy consistency while the ham adds a deliciously smoky depth. Plus, it's packed with protein, making it a nutritious choice for everyone.

Why This Recipe Works

Protein Power: Using dried split peas in this high protein split pea soup with ham provides a wonderful source of plant-based protein. Each cup of cooked split peas packs about 16 grams of protein, making this soup not only filling but also a fantastic alternative to meat-heavy dishes.
Flavor Development: Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil enhances the soup's flavor profile through the Maillard reaction. This browning process creates complex flavors that deepen as they mingle with the ham and spices, resulting in a rich, hearty soup.
Broth Matters: Choosing low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness while still enriching the soup with savory depth. I made a batch with homemade broth and one with store-bought, and the homemade version truly elevated the overall flavor.
Acid Balance: The squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the entire dish and balances the richness from the ham. I learned through testing that this simple addition transforms the soup from good to great, enhancing all the other flavors.

Ingredients

What You'll Need

1 lb dried split peas rinsed and drained; look for bright green or yellow peas for the best flavor.
1 tbsp olive oil used for sautéing; extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor.
1 medium onion chopped; sweet onions work well for depth of flavor.
2 medium carrots diced; fresh, vibrant carrots add natural sweetness and color.
2 celery stalks diced; choose crisp stalks for a nice crunch.
3 cloves garlic minced; fresh garlic provides a robust aroma and taste.
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth adds flavor without too much salt; homemade is ideal, but store-bought works too.
1 lb ham diced; use a lean cut for a healthier option, or substitute with turkey ham.
1 tsp dried thyme adds a warm herbal note; fresh thyme can be substituted for a brighter flavor.
1 bay leaf adds depth; remember to remove it before serving.
1 tsp salt or to taste; enhances the overall flavors of the soup.
1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste; freshly ground pepper gives the best flavor.
1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed; brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.

The key ingredients in this high protein split pea soup with ham create a hearty and flavorful dish. Opt for fresh vegetables and quality ham to enhance the overall taste. A low-sodium broth keeps the soup light and allows the natural flavors to shine through.

Easy Substitutions

Dairy-free: swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth — the flavor will be slightly milder but still delicious.
Gluten-free: ensure the chicken broth is labeled gluten-free — this way, you won't lose any of the comforting qualities of the soup.
Lower calorie: swap ham for diced turkey or chicken breast — it will reduce the calories significantly while keeping the protein high.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep & Sauté

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat (about 350°F) for 2 minutes to create a warm base for the vegetables.
Add 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks to the pot; sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent, releasing their sweet aromas.
Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, as this will enhance the soup’s overall flavor profile.

Combine & Simmer

Add 1 cup of rinsed split peas, 6 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of diced ham, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the pot, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed for a hearty soup.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat (around 400°F), then reduce to a simmer; this process helps to cook the split peas evenly and infuse all the flavors together.
Cover and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened slightly, which will create a comforting texture.

Finish & Serve

Remove the bay leaf and stir in the juice of 1 lemon; this brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing zing to the soup.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot, garnished with additional diced ham or fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

The Importance of Rinsing Split Peas

Rinsing your split peas before adding them to the pot is crucial. It removes any dust or debris and helps prevent the soup from becoming overly starchy. I usually rinse them under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Trust me, this simple step can make a noticeable difference in the soup's texture.

Adjusting Consistency to Your Liking

Everyone has their preference when it comes to soup thickness. If you find your high protein split pea soup with ham is thicker than you'd like after simmering, just add a bit more chicken broth or water. I’ve made the mistake of letting it simmer too long once, and it turned into more of a stew. A splash of liquid brings it right back to that comforting, soupy goodness.

Pro Tips

Use a Ham Bone for Flavor: If you have a leftover ham bone, toss it into the pot while the soup simmers. It adds a depth of flavor that enhances the broth, giving it that rich, savory taste you crave in a comforting split pea soup. I usually let it simmer for the full 45 minutes to really extract all those delicious flavors.
Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Don’t be afraid to play around with herbs! While thyme is classic, I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika or even a bay leaf for an extra layer of complexity. Just remember to taste as you go; you can always add more, but it's hard to take it out.
Purée for Creaminess: For a creamier texture, you can purée a portion of the soup using an immersion blender. I often do this halfway through cooking—just scoop out a couple of cups, blend, and stir it back in. It makes the soup velvety while keeping some split peas whole for that satisfying bite.
Cool and Store Properly: If you’re making this soup ahead of time, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents condensation, which can water down the soup. I like to portion it out for easy reheating on busy days.
Adjust Thickness to Your Liking: The soup will thicken as it sits, so if you're prepping it in advance, consider that before serving. I often add a splash of extra broth or water when reheating to get the consistency just right—perfectly hearty without being too thick.

Variations & Customizations

Flavor Twists

Spicy Chipotle

Add 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle in adobo sauce, minced, with the garlic. This adds a smokey heat that transforms the soup into a vibrant, spicy version with a deep red hue.

Herbed Lemon

Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh dill and 1 additional tablespoon of lemon juice just before serving. The result is a bright and refreshing soup, full of herby aromas that lighten the hearty texture.

Kid-Friendly

Cheesy Delight

Mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. The soup becomes creamy and rich, with a gooey cheese pull that kids will love.

Storage & Meal Prep

Room Temperature

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. At room temperature, it can sit for up to 2 hours before it needs to be refrigerated to keep it safe from bacteria.

Refrigerator

Store the high protein split pea soup with ham in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make the soup watery.

Freezer

You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. For best results, use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bags, laying them flat to save space. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meal Prep

I recommend doubling the recipe for meal prep since this soup freezes beautifully. You can make it on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week, keeping it fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. Use glass containers for easy reheating — microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen split peas instead of dried?

Yes, you can use frozen split peas, but they may not absorb flavors as well as dried ones. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since frozen peas will cook faster.

What can I use instead of ham in this soup?

You can substitute ham with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein like lentils for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the seasoning to maintain that savory flavor.

Why did my split pea soup turn out too thick?

If your soup is too thick, it might be due to not adding enough liquid during cooking. Simply add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn't contain any grains. Just double-check that your broth is also gluten-free, and you're good to go!

What can I serve with high protein split pea soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for some crunch. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for creaminess.

This high protein split pea soup with ham is not just comforting; it’s a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition that warms you from the inside out. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten everything up. I can’t wait for you to try it — leave a comment with your thoughts or share your bowl on Pinterest!

High Protein Split Pea Soup with Ham