If you’re searching for a bowl of comfort that’s both hearty and deeply satisfying, Split Pea Soup is a timeless classic I always come back to. This lush, velvety soup brings together earthy split peas, aromatic vegetables, and the cozy, savory flavor of a simmering pot — and it only gets better as it sits! Whether you make it meaty with ham or keep it entirely plant-based, there’s something about split pea soup that invites everyone to slow down, scoop up a steaming spoonful, and savor the homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of split pea soup lies in just a handful of wholesome ingredients. Each one has a role, from building up deep, layered flavor to adding pops of color and a pleasing texture that’ll keep you digging back in for more.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies to bring out their sweetness.
- Onion: A savory backbone and subtle sweetness to flavor every bite.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves transform the whole pot with warmth and depth.
- Carrots: Their gentle sweetness and bright color are perfect accents in this soup.
- Celery: Classic for soups, this adds crunch, aroma, and a subtle, fresh note.
- Dried thyme: A must for that earthy, herbal lift which makes split pea soup so fragrant.
- Ground black pepper: A touch of heat without overpowering the soup’s mellow flavor.
- Smoked paprika (optional): If you love a hint of smokiness, this spice takes things up a notch.
- Bay leaf: Infuses the soup with subtle herbal undertones as it simmers away.
- Dried green split peas: The star of the show! They simmer down into creamy, protein-packed comfort.
- Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: The liquid base for everything to come together, keeping things light yet flavorful.
- Diced ham or ham bone (optional): For an extra punch of savory, smoky flavor and heartier soup.
- Salt to taste: Just enough to draw out and marry all those flavors at the end.
How to Make Split Pea Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Tip in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, letting them soften and turn fragrant for about five to six minutes. This gentle sauté is where the soup’s flavor base is built, coaxing out sweetness and depth before you add anything else.
Step 2: Add Herbs and Spices
Time to season things up! Stir in the dried thyme, black pepper, smoked paprika (if you’re using it for that gentle smoky vibe), and drop in the bay leaf. The kitchen starts to smell incredible at this point, with every element working together for a savory aroma that signals something delicious is on its way.
Step 3: Simmer with Split Peas and Broth
Fold in your rinsed split peas and pour over the broth, stirring to combine everything into one cozy pot. If you’re adding ham or a ham bone, this is the moment! Bring it all up to a boil, then lower the heat so it gently simmers. Cover the pot and let it bubble away for 45 to 60 minutes, giving it a stir every so often, until the split peas are meltingly soft and the soup turns rich and thick.
Step 4: Finish and Adjust the Texture
Fish out the bay leaf and ham bone, if you used them. If you adore a silky-smooth split pea soup, now’s the time for a few pulses of an immersion blender right in the pot. If you prefer it chunky and rustic, just leave it as is. Finally, taste and season with salt as needed — the broth and any ham will add some salt already, so go gently!
Step 5: Serve Hot
Ladle into bowls and serve your split pea soup piping hot. The flavors deepen and the soup thickens as it cools, so don’t be afraid to thin with extra broth or water the next day. Each spoonful is savory, comforting, and full of nourishing goodness.
How to Serve Split Pea Soup
Garnishes
Garnishing split pea soup turns a humble meal into something special. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a swirl of olive oil, or crisp croutons can add gorgeous texture. For an extra pop, try a handful of chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of smoked paprika on top.
Side Dishes
Split pea soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, warm rolls, or even a slice of toasted sourdough to dip and soak up every last bit. If you’re feeling extra, serve with a crisp green salad dressed in a zippy vinaigrette to contrast the soup’s creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or family dinners, ladle split pea soup into mugs for a cozy handheld starter, or serve in hollowed bread bowls for a memorable presentation. Swirl in a little sour cream or Greek yogurt for contrast, or top with crisp bacon bits or crunchy seeds for delightful crunch and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Split pea soup is one of those wonderful dishes that improves as it sits. Cool any leftovers promptly, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld and the soup thickens up—just what you want after a busy day!
Freezing
If you love meal prepping, split pea soup freezes like a dream. Let it cool before portioning into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat split pea soup, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. Because the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For single servings, a few minutes in the microwave also works perfectly—just stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I make split pea soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the ham or ham bone and opt for vegetable broth. You’ll still get a hearty, flavorful soup that’s completely vegetarian and full of comfort.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No soaking required for dried split peas! They cook down beautifully right in the pot, becoming tender and creamy after a simple simmer of about an hour.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you’d like a meatless split pea soup or just want to shake things up, try adding a dash of liquid smoke for depth, or toss in diced smoked turkey or plant-based sausage for a similar savory effect.
Why did my split pea soup get so thick?
Split peas naturally thicken as they cook and especially as the soup cools. If your soup gets too thick, just stir in extra broth or water as you reheat until you reach your perfect texture.
Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?
Yes, you can swap in yellow split peas if that’s what you have! They cook the same way and give a slightly different, subtly sweeter flavor and a vibrant golden color to the soup.
Final Thoughts
Whether you make it classic or give it your own spin, split pea soup is a cozy, flavor-packed staple that brings warmth to the table. I hope this recipe inspires you to stir up a pot, share it with friends or family, and savor just how satisfying homemade soup can be!
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Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Split Pea Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with vegetables, split peas, and optional ham for extra flavor, this soup is easy to make and ideal for chilly days.
Ingredients
Vegetable Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Seasonings and Peas:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted (about 2 cups)
Liquid and Meat:
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup diced ham or ham bone (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add Seasonings and Peas: Stir in thyme, black pepper, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Add split peas and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes until peas are tender and soup thickens. Remove bay leaf and ham bone if used.
- Blend (Optional) and Season: Blend for a smoother texture if desired. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth.
- The soup thickens as it cools, add more broth or water when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
