Heat olive oil and melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven set over medium-high heat.
Add chopped celery, carrots, and onions; cook for 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in chicken broth and water.
Stir in split peas, bay leaves, thyme, and oregano; season with salt and pepper. Don’t use too much salt because the ham hocks are already salty.
Add ham hocks to the pot and bring mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. The soup is ready when the peas are soft. Start checking it for doneness around the 55-minute mark.
Remove ham from soup and let rest for several minutes, or until cooled enough to handle. Then, shred or chop up the meat into smaller pieces. Discard bones and skin.
Add chopped ham back into the soup. Cook for a minute.
Remove from heat. Taste the soup for salt and pepper and adjust accordingly.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Ham Alternatives: If you don't have a ham bone, you could use diced ham or even smoked sausage for a different twist on flavor.
Adjusting Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add more broth or water to reach the desired consistency. If it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer.
Vegetarian Version: You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spice It Up: Feel free to add more herbs or spices to taste, such as a pinch of cayenne for heat or some fresh rosemary for depth.
Avoid Over-Salting: Since the ham (especially if cured or smoked) adds saltiness, taste as you go, adding salt gradually as needed.
Storing and Reheating: This soup freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to three months. Reheat on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth if it's too thick after freezing.
Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer, you can make this soup in a slow cooker, excluding the 2 cups of water, and adjust the cooking time to 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade soup, pea and ham soup, split pea soup with ham hock