soupsmokedone-potcomfort-food

Split Pea Soup with Smoked Ham Hock

Name: Split Pea Soup with Smoked Ham Hock
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 (about 1.5 lbs total) Smoked ham hocks; 2 cups Dried green split peas, rinsed; 1 large Yellow onion, diced; 2 Carrots, diced; 2 stalks Celery, diced; 3 Garlic cloves, minced; 2 Bay leaves; 1 tsp Dried thyme; 6 cups Chicken broth; 2 cups Water; 1/2 tsp Black pepper; to taste Salt

2 hrs 15 min 6 servings Easy

Cut used: Pork Hock (Ham Hock) pork →

Prep

15 min

Cook

2 hrs

Total

2 hrs 15 min

A smoked ham hock is the secret weapon behind truly great split pea soup, infusing the broth with deep smokiness while its collagen thickens the soup naturally. This one-pot recipe simmers low and slow until the peas break down into a creamy base studded with shredded pork. It's the definition of cold-weather comfort food.

What Ingredients Do You Need?

2 (about 1.5 lbs total) Smoked ham hocks
2 cups Dried green split peas, rinsed
1 large Yellow onion, diced
2 Carrots, diced
2 stalks Celery, diced
3 Garlic cloves, minced
2 Bay leaves
1 tsp Dried thyme
6 cups Chicken broth
2 cups Water
1/2 tsp Black pepper
to taste Salt

How Do You Make Split Pea Soup with Smoked Ham Hock?

1
Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat until softened, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2
Add hocks and liquid
Add the ham hocks, split peas, bay leaves, thyme, broth, and water. Stir to combine.
3
Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
Check the hocks
The hocks are ready when the meat easily pulls away from the bone with a fork.
5
Shred the meat
Remove the hocks, let cool slightly, then pull the meat off the bone, discarding skin, bone, and excess fat. Chop or shred the meat.
6
Finish the soup
Return the shredded meat to the pot, discard bay leaves, and season with black pepper and salt to taste.
7
Adjust consistency
If the soup is thicker than desired, thin with a bit of extra broth or water; simmer 5 more minutes to heat through.

What Are the Pro Tips for This Recipe?

💡 Soaking the split peas isn't necessary, but rinsing them removes any dust or debris.
💡 Two hocks give a smokier, meatier soup than one — don't skimp if you like a hearty bowl.
💡 This soup freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months in an airtight container.