When I’m looking for a cheap and comforting lunch, pea and ham soup in a soup maker is one of my top contenders. Actually, this particular soup is so thick and filling it can also satisfy as a light dinner too, especially if you add some chunky bread to dunk in.
And better still – one serving comes in at just 171 calories!
How Do You Make Pea And Ham Soup?


My Soup Is Too Thick
I’m going to prewarn you on this one – it’s a super thick one! As in you can likely stand your spoon up in it without it falling over 😉 I believe this is THE way to do pea and ham soup but I appreciate that some of you might not enjoy it this way. You can make it thinner by either reducing the amount of split peas you use in the first place (go for 200g to 250g instead), or stick to the recipe and just add in some hot stock at the end until it is at the consistency you want it.
Can I Make It Chunky?
Yes you can. You could make it on chunky and then use the manual blend function on your soup maker to pulse it a few times to get a texture that’s in between.
Can I Use Yellow Split Peas?
Absolutely. Just substitute them in for the green split peas. There is a subtle difference in taste between the two, but it will still work and be as tasty.
Can I Use Frozen Green Peas?
Yes you can but this will result in quite a different soup. It will be sweeter and lighter than ham and pea soup made with split peas.
Should You Soak Split Peas Overnight?
As the soup maker cycle only runs for 21 minutes on smooth, or 28 minutes if on the chunky option, I don’t think it gets enough simmer time without soaking them first.
I know that some people don’t soak them first but when I have done this I find the end result way too thick and I think it puts unnecessary strain on the motor of the soup maker.
Let me know if you make this soup! I’d love to hear how you found it – just let me know in the comments. You can also find some more soup maker recipes here.
If you would like to join a friendly bunch of soup makers and get some more soup recipe inspiration please feel free to join us over on my private Facebook group.

Pea and Ham Soup
A deliciously comforting soup. Ham and pea soup is filling enough to enjoy for a filling lunch, or as a light dinner. If you love thick soup, this one is for you!
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 300g green split peas, soaked overnight
- 200g cooked ham, shredded
- 850ml vegetable/chicken stock/ham
Instructions
1. Add everything to the soup maker and make sure you stir it well. This is important to ensure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the soup maker.
2. Set off on smooth.
Notes
1. I soaked the green split peas overnight. I know some people don’t soak them but I prefer to and find they cook better.
2. This is a very thick soup (which I think is how pea and ham soup should be!) but if thick soups aren’t your thing you can either reduce the amount of split peas you put in or add some more hot stock at the end of the soup cycle.
3. I added a little shredded ham on top at the end. You can even save all the ham to add on top at the end rather than adding it at the beginning if you wish.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 171Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 491mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 7gSugar: 4gProtein: 18g
Janet cooke
Monday 5th of April 2021
Can I use the stock from the gammon joint to make pea and ham soup thanks
Liana Green
Saturday 10th of April 2021
Hi Janet - yes you certainly can :)
Lynn Cardy
Saturday 1st of February 2020
Hey. Did you sauté the onions first?
Liana Green
Monday 3rd of February 2020
Hi Lynn - I usually sauté the onions yes as I have that feature on my soup maker. If you don't have that function then you can skip that stage if you prefer. Hope that helps!
Elaine Walters
Tuesday 12th of March 2019
Hello I made this soup and you were right it goes super thick, in fact turned out so thick I could use an ice cream scoop to but it on a plate with more ham. However it tasted delicious I even had a scoop for breakfast with some bacon, so if you make this and it is well worth it make sure you put plenty of liquid with it and enjoy
Liana Green
Tuesday 12th of March 2019
Hi Elaine - yes it certainly is a thick one. It is even thicker the next day too!