Split pea soup gets its smokiness from a ham bone and a dash of smoked paprika.

Add ham hock, flattest-side down; cook, turning once until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Transfer to a plate.

Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone

Photo:Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall

Add garlic, sage and thyme; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Return the reserved ham hock and any accumulated juices to the pot.

Stir in split peas, water, pepper and salt.

overhead view of all ingredients on a countertop

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall

Bring to a boil over high heat; boil, undisturbed, for 6 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer.

Simmer, uncovered and undisturbed, for 20 minutes.

overhead view of large pot with onions, celery, and carrots cooking in it

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall

Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a small skillet over medium heat.

Stir in paprika; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 10 seconds.

Remove the soup from the heat.

all ingredients in large pot

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall

Cut the meat into about 1/4-inch pieces, discarding bone, fat and skin.

Stir the ham into the soup, along with lemon juice.

Add additional water, as needed, to reach desired consistency.

overhead view of cooked oil mixture in small skillet

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall

Ladle the soup into 6 bowls and drizzle with the paprika oil.

  • Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.

soup in large pot, ham bone on plate, small ham pieces chunked off

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall