The Tastiest Chunky Pea and Ham Soup

BY HOMEFINDSS KITCHEN
Oct 14
2 min read

Cozy Holiday Comfort Food

By HomeFindss Kitchen

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Chunky Pea and Ham Soup on a cold winter night. This classic holiday comfort food transforms simple ingredients into something rich and deeply satisfying. With smoky ham, tender peas, and aromatic herbs, it’s a traditional winter soup recipe that feels both nostalgic and nourishing.

Whether you’re looking to use up Christmas ham leftovers or simply crave a hearty meal to warm the family, this recipe brings cozy charm and rustic holiday flavour to your table.

Rustic bowl of Chunky Pea and Ham Soup topped with fresh parsley and served with crusty bread — a hearty holiday soup recipe made with split peas, smoked ham, and vegetables. Perfect Christmas leftover meal or winter comfort food in warm cozy tones for Homefindss holiday recipes.

Ingredients

Serves 6–8:

2 cups dried split peas, rinsed

1 large smoked ham hock or 2 cups chopped ham

1 large onion, diced

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 bay leaf

1 tsp thyme

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Sauté Aromatics:

In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Add Ham and Peas:

Stir in the ham hock (or chopped ham), split peas, thyme, and bay leaf.

Simmer Slowly:

Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and soup is thick and chunky.

Adjust Seasoning:

Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve Warm:

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread or warm rolls for the perfect holiday comfort dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside buttered garlic toast or warm sourdough bread.

Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Make ahead and refrigerate — the flavours deepen beautifully overnight.

Perfect For: