Freezing Pea Soup with Ham: A Complete How-To Guide

There’s nothing quite as comforting on a chilly day as a steaming bowl of split pea soup made with smoky, savory ham. The creamy consistency paired with tender peas and meaty ham make this soup a favorite for many. But can you safely freeze pea soup with ham to enjoy later?

While it is possible to freeze split pea and ham soup, there are some important preparation tips and storage guidelines to follow. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully freezing and reheating this classic soup.

An Overview of Split Pea and Ham Soup

Let’s start with a quick rundown of the key ingredients in traditional split pea and ham soup:

• Split peas provide protein, fiber, and starch to thicken the broth into a creamy consistency. Both green and yellow split peas work well.

• Ham adds a salty, smoky meatiness. Ham hock, bone, or chopped ham can be used.

• Aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery provide flavor.

• Potatoes add substance and complement the peas.

• Chicken or vegetable broth provides the base

• Herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, and pepper season it.

The combined result is a thick, hearty soup perfect for cold weather and the cooler fall and winter months. Now let’s look at how freezing affects this winning combo.

How Does Freezing Change Split Pea and Ham Soup?

Freezing pea soup with ham can damage some of the delicate ingredients and textures:

• Peas become mushy and mealy as they thaw. The freezing process ruins their tender texture.

• Potatoes also turn grainy and soft when frozen and reheated.

• Ham and vegetables lose their firmness and turn soggy.

• Aromatic herbs lose fragrance and flavor.

• Broth can separate, losing its smooth creaminess.

• Fats from ham congeal into clumps rather than blending in.

While freezing does change the consistency, you can take steps to mitigate texture and flavor damage.

Tips for Freezing Pea Soup with Ham

Follow these guidelines when freezing split pea and ham soup:

• Allow soup to fully cool before freezing so no moisture is lost.

• Use airtight containers or freezer bags designed for freezing foods.

• Leave 1-inch headspace in containers to allow for expansion.

• Pack soup into portions ideal for future use.

• Seal bags and containers tightly, removing excess air.

• Label with name and freeze date for easy identification.

• Lay bags flat rather than standing them upright to save freezer space.

• Avoid overpacking containers, which can lead to cracking.

• Use frozen soup within 2-3 months for best quality.

Proper freezing technique helps maintain the soup’s texture and taste. Now let’s discuss the best thawing methods.

Thawing Frozen Split Pea and Ham Soup

Here are safe ways to thaw frozen pea soup with ham:

• Refrigerator thawing – Thaw overnight in the fridge for slow, even thawing.

• Cold water bath – Submerge sealed container in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes.

• Microwave – Use the defrost setting, stopping to stir and check often.

• Stovetop – Gently reheat frozen soup in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat.

• Add ham last – Stir in diced ham after soup has thawed for best texture.

• Sprinkle in herbs – Add a bit of fresh parsley, thyme or bay leaf before serving.

• Adjust seasonings – Taste and reseason with salt, pepper or other spices as needed.

Proper thawing helps improve texture and retain flavor. Next let’s go over signs of spoiled soup.

How to Tell if Thawed Pea Soup with Ham Has Spoiled

Here are some red flags that indicate frozen split pea and ham soup has gone bad after thawing:

• Off odors – Smells sour, rancid, moldy or rotten

• Unnatural colors – Darker, duller colors rather than vibrant green

• Odd textures – Appears curdled, slimy or separated

• Floating food – Ingredients floating rather than incorporated

• Weird flavors – Tastes unpleasant, bitter or sour

• Visible mold – Fuzzy or discolored spots on soup surface

When in doubt, remember the mantra: “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t take risks with food safety.

Storing Leftover Pea Soup with Ham

For enjoying split pea and ham soup another day, follow these storage tips:

• Let cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.

• Store leftovers in shallow airtight containers.

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.

• Use refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days.

• Freeze extras immediately for longer term storage.

• Label containers with name and date before freezing.

Proper storage helps minimize food waste and keeps the soup safe.

Tips for Improving Frozen Pea Soup Texture

If you want better results freezing split pea and ham soup, try these tweaks:

• Leave potatoes out, adding them fresh when reheating.

• Use quick-cooking split peas rather than regular.

• Cook and freeze peas separately from broth.

• Sprinkle in a bit of cornstarch to help bind after freezing.

• Add milk, cream or ham just before serving after soup is thawed.

Getting creative with ingredients can significantly improve the end results.

Enjoy Pea Soup with Ham All Season Long

Freezing pea soup with ham does change the texture significantly. But with smart preparation and storage, you can still enjoy this satisfying soup any time you get a craving. Pay close attention to food safety best practices. And focus on proper cooling, freezing, thawing, and reheating techniques to retain as much flavor and texture as possible.

While nothing beats freshly made split pea and ham soup on a cold day, freezing lets you savor this comfort food classic regardless of the season. Adjust your process as needed to produce the best possible results. Then relax with a steaming bowl of this hearty standby whenever you need some warmth.