If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that’s hearty, nourishing, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this Split Pea Soup Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Packed with wholesome ingredients like tender green split peas, aromatic vegetables, and just the right hint of smoky ham, this soup feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or looking to whip up a make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day, this recipe delivers all the deliciousness with simple steps and incredible results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Split Pea Soup Recipe relies on a handful of humble yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich tapestry of flavor, color, and texture. Each item adds its own unique touch, making the soup wonderfully well-rounded and satisfying.
- Olive oil: Adds smooth richness and is perfect for sautéing the vegetables without overpowering their natural flavors.
- Onion (medium, chopped): Brings sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Offers a fragrant punch that enhances every spoonful.
- Carrots (chopped): Contribute subtle natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery stalks (chopped): Add a mild herbal note and a bit of crunch when sautéed.
- Dried green split peas (1 pound, rinsed and sorted): The star ingredient that thickens the soup and provides a hearty, earthy base.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (6 cups, low-sodium): Offers a flavorful liquid foundation, controlling salt levels for a balanced taste.
- Bay leaf: Infuses subtle herbal complexity.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle woodsy aroma that complements the peas perfectly.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a warm, spicy undertone.
- Diced ham (1 cup, optional): Brings smoky richness and protein, though the soup shines equally well without it.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh herbal brightness when serving.
How to Make Split Pea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables
Begin by warming the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Keep stirring occasionally as these vegetables soften and release their wonderful aromas, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This forms the flavorful base that will infuse the entire soup.
Step 2: Add Main Ingredients and Simmer
Next, stir in the rinsed split peas, followed by the broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a steady boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer for 60 to 75 minutes, stirring once in a while to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. This slow simmer allows the peas to soften completely, giving the soup its iconic thick and creamy texture without needing any cream.
Step 3: Incorporate Ham (If Using)
If you’re adding diced ham, now is the time. Stir it into the soup after the peas have turned tender and let everything simmer together for an extra 5 to 10 minutes. This step infuses the soup with that smoky, meaty flavor, enhancing the overall heartiness.
Step 4: Final Touches Before Serving
Before serving, be sure to remove the bay leaf for a smooth eating experience. If you want a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup right in the pot. You’ll end up with a luscious mix of chunky and smooth textures that feels truly special.
How to Serve Split Pea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds an inviting pop of green and a fresh herbal note that livens up every spoonful. For those who love a bit more flair, a drizzle of olive oil or a generous dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt also pairs wonderfully without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Side Dishes
This Split Pea Soup Recipe deserves to be paired with comforting sides that complement its comforting soul. Crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or even buttery garlic toast provide the perfect vehicle to scoop up every creamy bite. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or family? Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for that wow factor and extra edible goodness. Or ladle it over a bed of wild rice for a heartier meal. For an elegant twist, garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add color and another layer of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Split Pea Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent any other aromas from sneaking in. The flavors continue to meld over time, making the soup even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect batch-cooking candidate. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, heat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The soup thickens as it cools, so if it feels too thick, simply add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid high heat to keep the peas tender and prevent scorching.
FAQs
Can I make this Split Pea Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and omit the diced ham. The soup still turns out flavorful and filling thanks to the herbs and hearty peas.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
You can give the soup a partial puree by transferring a portion to a regular blender in batches, then stirring it back in. Alternatively, enjoy it fully chunky for a rustic texture.
How long does it take to cook split peas until tender?
On the stovetop, split peas usually become tender after about 60 to 75 minutes of simmering. If they’re still a bit firm, just allow extra time until they reach your preferred softness.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced potatoes, parsnips, or even a handful of spinach near the end of cooking for extra nutrition and variety.
Is it necessary to soak split peas before cooking?
Unlike many dried legumes, split peas do not require soaking. Just rinse and sort to remove any debris before adding them to the pot.
Final Thoughts
This Split Pea Soup Recipe is one of those true kitchen treasures that fills your home with warmth and your body with wholesome goodness. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Whether you’re a seasoned soup lover or just looking to dive into something nourishing and satisfying, give this recipe a try—your spoon and tummy will thank you!
Print
Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and hearty Split Pea Soup made with green split peas, fresh vegetables, and savory broth, perfect as a nourishing main course. This classic American soup can be made vegetarian or with ham for added flavor, offering a thick, creamy texture and wholesome goodness with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- 1 cup diced ham
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Peas and Broth: Stir in the rinsed green split peas, then pour in the low-sodium broth. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 60 to 75 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Add Ham (Optional): If using diced ham, stir it into the soup now and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup according to your preference.
- The soup thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to adjust consistency.
- Omit ham to make the soup vegetarian and use vegetable broth to keep it meat-free.
