This incredibly easy Keto Ham Soup is so tasty and a real family-friendly recipe! The ultimate in keto soup recipe. Tastes just like a traditional pea and ham soup but without all the carbs!
Keto Pea and Ham Soup in a white and brown bowl.

This keto ham soup recipe was originally published in August 2019. It has been updated with new images and a slight variation in the recipe. The original recipe did not include cauliflower but included double the amount of hemp seeds.

Why We Love This Recipe

Low carb – using hemp seeds in place of peas or split peas helps bring the carbs down.

Everyday ingredients – all the ingredients in this keto ham soup can be found in most supermarkets.

Quick and easy – so simple to make. Choose the way you wish to cook it. From preparation to table, it takes less than 1 hour.

Thermomix friendly – make this low carb ham soup recipe in the ThermomixMagimix or food processor in no time and with easy cleanup.

I love keto soup recipes as they are always pretty easy (and tasty). It is something I love to make so you have tasty meals for days.

What goes great with soup? Bread of course! You must also try out some of our keto bread recipes.

The Ingredients

Keep reading for more details on the ingredients, substitutes and step by step instructions on how to make our delicious keto pea and ham soup.

Pea and ham soup ingredients

The soup itself is very versatile. In the image above you will notice a green vegetable not in this recipe. It is the choko (or chayote). I do use this vegetable as well from time to time and in our Hearty Pea & Ham Soup in the cookbook Slow Cook Keto.

Ham hocks – I use meaty ham hock around 800g. This will of course yield a lot less meat than the initial weight but fits comfortably in my Instant Pot. If you are making the pea and ham soup in the Thermomix make sure you get your butcher to cut the hock into smaller pieces. I also prefer to use a blade cover.

We do have more ham and keto pork recipes for you to enjoy. Try our Sugar Free Keto Glazed Ham (and use the leftover hock for this soup). Or even the Schweinshaxe for something amazing for a keto Christmas option.

Hemp Seeds – hemp seeds add amazing flavour and texture to the soup. They replace the split peas of a traditional pea and ham soup and add a lot of extra plant-based protein. There are loads of claimed health benefits of hemp seeds and I love using them in both hot dishes and cold.

Vegetables – I use the Mirepoix of onions, celery and carrot. As well as cauliflower (for creaminess) and garlic. As mentioned above you can also add choko or even rutabaga if preferred for a hearty keto ham soup.

For a vegetarian alternative omit the ham hock and bacon. A simple swap to vegetable stock will keep it completely vegetarian. This has been tested and was given the nod of approval. 

How To Make It

Step 1. Place all the ingredients into the pot. Set to Pressure Cook/High Heat/35 minutes. When finished allow natural release for 10 minutes before triggering quick release.

For the stovetop just place into a large pot and bring to simmer. Cover and turn the heat down and cook until the ham is softened.

Step 2. Remove the meat from the ham hock and set the meat aside. Remove the bay leaves and puree the soup. Adjust the seasoning.

Keto Pea and Ham Soup in a grey bowl on a grey plate.

Step 3. Divide the soup between serving bowls. Top with the shredded ham and sprinkle over parsley and extra hemp seeds. Serve.

This keto ham recipe has been provided with Instant Pot instructions. It also includes slow-cooker (or Crockpot), stovetop and Thermomix methods.

More Keto Soups to Try

Here are just a few great keto soup recipes. I am always playing around with a lot of soups and these are just a few of my best soups.

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Keto Pea and Ham Soup in a white and brown bowl.

Keto Pea and Ham Soup with Hemp Seeds

This incredibly easy Keto Ham Soup is so tasty and a real family-friendly recipe! The ultimate in keto soup recipe. Tastes just like a traditional pea and ham soup but without all the carbs!
4.98 from 94 votes!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Australian
Diet: Gluten Free
Recipe Category: Low Carb
Calories: 87kcal
Author: Megan Ellam
Servings: 8 serves
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Ingredients 

  • 2 cloves (2 cloves) garlic finely minced
  • 1 (1) onion finely diced (120g)
  • 2 (2) stalks celery finely diced
  • 1 medium (1) carrot finely diced
  • 1 cup (1 cup) cauliflower florets (120g)
  • 2 (2) bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups (4 cups) chicken broth or stock
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) hemp seeds
  • 1 800g (28 oz) ham hock for Thermomix® method get your butcher to cut hocks into 5 cm pieces

TO SERVE

  • 1/4 cup (1/4 cup) fresh parsley finely chopped

Instructions

INSTANT POT® METHOD

  • Place all the ingredients into the pot. Set to Pressure Cook/High Heat/35 minutes. When finished allow natural release for 10 minutes before triggering quick release.
  • Remove the ham hock from the soup. Separate the meat from the hock and discard the fat and bone. Shred the ham and reserve.
  • Discard the bay leaves and puree the soup (puree until smooth or slightly chunky, whichever you prefer). Adjust the seasoning to taste (see notes).
  • Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Top with shredded ham and garnish with extra hemp seeds and fresh parsley.

SLOW COOKER OR STOVE TOP METHOD

  • Place all the ingredients into the slow cooker; cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cook until the ham is soft and tender. Follow from step 2 above.
  • For stovetop, turn down to low, cover with a lid and cook on low checking every hour until hemp is soft and ham is falling off the bone. Follow from step 2 in the Instant Pot method.

THERMAL METHOD

  • Add the garlic, onion, celery, carrot, and cauliflower into the mixer; chop 4 sec/speed 6. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. (Remove the vegetables and insert blade cover (if using) and replace the vegetables).
  • Add the remaining ingredients to the mixer (filling only to the max line with broth); set to slow cook/100min/95°C (or 100 min/95°C/reverse/stir). Extend the cooking time until the ham is soft and tender.
  • Separate the meat from the hock and discard the fat and bone. Shred the ham and reserve.
  • Discard the bay leaves (check to ensure no bones are in the soup) and puree the soup in two batches; 30sec/speed 5-9 (or less if you prefer the soup slightly chunky). Adjust seasoning to taste (see notes).
  • Ladle the soup between serving bowls. Top with shredded ham and garnish with extra hemp seeds and fresh parsley.

Notes

INGREDIENTS
The carrot adds less than 1g net carbs per serving; leave out if preferred.
Hemp seeds are the “pea” replacement. They are the hulled variety that I have used. You can also puree the soup or mill the seeds for a thicker soup.
Serve with Keto Bread or Keto Garlic Bread.
SUBSTITUTIONS
For a vegetarian/vegan alternative, omit the ham, add a pinch of smoked paprika and use a vegetable broth.
THERMAL COOKING TIPS
If you are cooking this in a thermal cooker, you will need to ask your butcher to cut the ham hock into small 5-6 cm lengths to fit inside the mixer. Alternatively, add hock meat off the bone, which is available at the supermarket.
IS YOUR SOUP TOO SALTY OR THICK?
If your soup is too salty, simply add a little dairy (sour cream) or an acid such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Alternatively, you can add more liquid to dilute the soup. Just like most soups, this is even better the next day!
STORAGE
Keep chilled in the fridge for up to 4 days. Alternatively, freeze in 1-2 person serves.

Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1serve | Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 98mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1503IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 2mg | Magnesium: 5mg | Net Carbs: 3g
Tried this recipe?Mention @meganellam or tag #madcreations!

Megan Ellam is an Australian keto recipes blogger and author of amazing keto cookbooks such as Slow Cook KetoKeto LocoThe Healthy Family Keto Cookbook and Every Day Keto.

Megan has been following a ketogenic diet since being diagnosed with insulin resistance in early 2017.

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