The Heartiest Pea and Ham Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Cozy winter nights find their perfect companion in a hearty pea and ham soup that warms you from the inside out.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through my mind when I think about this classic comfort dish.

Rich, smoky ham combines beautifully with sweet green peas in a broth that promises deep satisfaction.

Slow-simmered ingredients meld together, creating layers of flavor that speak to traditional cooking methods.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this straightforward recipe that anyone can master.

Chunky vegetables and tender meat promise a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Grab a ladle and let’s turn simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Why James Martin Pea And Ham Soup Is A Classic Comfort Dish

• Comfort in a Bowl: Packed with hearty ham, tender peas, and rich flavors, this soup delivers ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from ham and vegetables, this soup provides a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing taste.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Requires basic cooking skills and minimal ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a main course with croutons or pair with crusty bread, making it adaptable for lunch, dinner, or even a cozy weekend meal that satisfies the whole family.

What You’ll Need For James Martin Pea And Ham Soup

• Peas: Sweet and hearty legumes that form the base of this comforting soup.
• Ham Steak: Provides a rich, smoky flavor and tender protein to the soup.
• Bacon: Adds a deep, salty taste and additional meaty complexity.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create a delicious savory base.
• Thyme Sprigs, Bay Leaves: Classic herbs that infuse the soup with subtle, earthy undertones.

• Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that contribute sweetness and depth.
• Water, Broth: Essential liquids that create the soup's smooth and hearty consistency.
• Butter: Helps to sauté aromatics and add richness to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Key seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Croutons: Crunchy topping that adds texture to the creamy soup.

Steps To Prepare James Martin Pea And Ham Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and sprinkle with salt. Stir and cook until onions become translucent and softened, developing a golden hue.

Step 2: Infuse With Garlic

Quickly add minced garlic to the pot. Stir rapidly and cook just until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.

Step 3: Combine Liquid Ingredients

• Ham steak
• Crispy bacon pieces
• Fresh or frozen peas
• Whole thyme sprigs
• Bay leaves

Step 4: Boil and Simmer

Increase heat to high, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the peas simmer gently for 45 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Ham

Remove ham steak from the soup. Transfer to a cutting board and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.

Step 6: Add Vegetable Companions

• Carrots
• Celery

Cover and continue cooking for approximately 30 minutes until vegetables become tender and peas start to break down.

Step 7: Shred Ham

Using two forks, carefully pull apart the ham steak into delicate, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 8: Strain and Clean

• Bay leaves
• Thyme sprigs
• Bacon slices

Return soup to a gentle simmer and mix in shredded ham.

Step 9: Season to Perfection

Grind fresh black pepper into the soup. Taste carefully and adjust salt if needed.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls. Top with crispy croutons for an extra crunch if desired.

Tips To Make James Martin Pea And Ham Soup Richer

• Prevent Burning Garlic: Watch carefully when sautéing garlic to avoid bitter, burnt flavor by removing from heat immediately once fragrant.
• Shred Ham Perfectly: Use two forks to pull ham steak into small, uniform pieces for even distribution throughout the soup.
• Control Soup Consistency: Boil uncovered for thicker soup or add extra broth if you prefer a lighter, more liquid texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let soup simmer longer to develop richer taste and allow peas to break down completely for a smoother consistency.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving to add brightness and fresh herbaceous notes.

Tasty Variations On James Martin Pea And Ham Soup

• Vegetarian Pea Soup: Replace ham and bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, swap croutons for gluten-free bread cubes or omit entirely.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium broth, eliminate added salt, and replace ham with lean chicken or turkey for reduced sodium content.
• Instant Pot Method: Adapt the recipe by sautéing ingredients directly in the Instant Pot, then pressure cook for 15-20 minutes instead of traditional stovetop simmering.

What To Serve With James Martin Pea And Ham Soup

• Rustic Bread Companion: Crusty sourdough or hearty rye bread perfectly complements the soup's rich, smoky flavors. The bread's crisp texture and tangy undertones balance the creamy, savory soup.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines cut through the soup's richness with their crisp acidity and light, refreshing notes.
• Cozy Side Salad: Prepare a light winter salad with bitter greens like arugula, topped with roasted walnuts and a sharp vinaigrette. The salad's brightness and crunch contrast beautifully with the soup's warm, comforting profile.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a malty amber ale or light brown ale to enhance the soup's ham and bacon undertones.

How To Store James Martin Pea And Ham Soup The Right Way

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs For James Martin Pea And Ham Soup

• What kind of ham works best for this soup?

Opt for a meaty ham steak with good marbling. Smoked ham steak provides the most robust flavor and helps create a rich, hearty base for the soup.

• Can I make this soup without bacon?

While bacon adds depth, you can substitute with smoked ham hock or omit entirely. The ham steak will still provide plenty of smoky flavor to the soup.

• How can I make the soup creamier?

Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some peas whole for texture. Alternatively, add a splash of cream or milk at the end for extra richness.

Pea And Ham Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic pea and ham soup brings hearty comfort straight from traditional kitchens. Simmering tender legumes with smoky ham create a rich, warming bowl that connects you to generations of home cooking.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound ham steak, skin removed, cut into quarters
• 3 slices (4 ounces) thick-cut bacon, left whole
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Base and Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 medium celery rib, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 pound green split peas (about 2 cups), picked through and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for serving
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cups water
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh croutons, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, sautéing onions with salt for 4-5 minutes until translucent and softened.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors without scorching.
3. Pour in water and broth, then add ham steak, bacon, peas, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot.
4. Increase heat to high, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil while stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, allowing peas to soften and flavors to meld.
6. Transfer ham steak to a cutting board, cover with foil to keep warm.
7. Introduce chopped carrots and celery into the soup, continuing to cook covered for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender and peas begin to break down.
8. Shred the ham steak using two forks, creating bite-sized pieces.
9. Remove and discard bay leaves, thyme sprigs, and bacon slices from the soup.
10. Return shredded ham to the pot, stirring to distribute evenly.
11. Season with freshly ground pepper and additional salt if needed, tasting to balance flavors.
12. Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with crispy croutons for added texture.

Notes

• Select meaty ham steak for rich flavor depth, ensuring tender and succulent soup texture.
• Remove excess sodium by using low-sodium broth and rinsing ham before cooking to control salt levels.
• Customize consistency by blending portion of soup for creamy texture or leaving completely chunky for rustic feel.
• Adapt recipe for dietary needs by substituting ham with smoked turkey or plant-based protein for vegetarian version.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 11 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg