27/07/2026
This Pea & Ham Soup recipe always reminds me of my Grandma. She used to make it every Winter, and it was one of my favourite meals when I spent time at her house.
There’s something so comforting about a pot gently simmering away on the stove. The smell would fill the whole house, and somehow a simple bowl of soup always made everything feel warm, safe and cared for.
This version stays true to those memories with wholesome vegetables, a beautiful smoked ham hock, herbs and plenty of love. It’s simple, nourishing and the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day.
🥣 Grandma’s Pea & Ham Soup
Ingredients
* 1 smoked ham hock
* 500g dried split peas, rinsed
* 2 carrots, diced
* 2 celery stalks, diced
* 2 red onions, diced
* 2 potatoes, diced
* 5–6 cloves garlic, sliced
* 2L good quality chicken stock (or enough to cover)
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 1 tsp dried rosemary
* Freshly cracked black pepper
* Sea salt (only if needed after cooking)
Method
1. Add the ham hock, split peas, vegetables, garlic, herbs and stock to a large pot.
2. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook for 2½–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas have broken down and the ham is falling off the bone.
4. Remove the ham hock and allow it to cool slightly.
5. Shred all the meat, discarding the skin, fat and bone, then return the meat to the soup.
6. Taste and season if required. If you’d like a smoother consistency, blend part of the soup before adding the ham back in.
7. Serve hot with fresh parsley and cracked pepper.
Nothing beats an old-fashioned recipe that’s stood the test of time. Some of the best meals aren’t fancy—they’re the ones filled with memories. ❤️
