Split Pea Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly nights and gatherings with family or friends. With its rich, creamy texture and savory flavors, Split Pea Soup is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed any time of year. Packed with nutrients from split peas and fresh vegetables, it’s both healthy and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Flavorful and Filling: The combination of split peas, veggies, and ham creates a robust flavor that will keep you full.
Customizable: Add more vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a holiday gathering, Split Pea Soup fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large heavy-bottomed pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife
Blender (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

Large heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heat distribution to prevent burning while cooking.
Blender: Helps achieve a creamy consistency by pureeing part of the soup if desired.

Ingredients

Split Pea Soup is thick, creamy, and packed with veggies, split peas, and tender ham—humble-looking but bursting with flavor!

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups finely diced onion (2 medium onions)
1 cup finely diced carrot (2 to 3 large carrots)
1 cup finely diced celery (3 to 4 stalks)
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic (4 cloves)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1-1/2 cups green split peas (rinsed; old split peas may not soften)
2 small bay leaves (or 1 large)
1 meaty ham bone (or ham hocks; plus more ham if desired)
8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Hearty buttered bread (for serving)

How to Make Split Pea Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large (5.5 quart or larger) heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil. Add onion, carrot, celery, and salt/pepper to taste (I add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper).
Cook until veggies are softened and onion is beginning to turn golden, about 5–8 minutes.
Add garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin, thyme, red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about one minute.
Mix in the rinsed split peas.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup

Add the ham bone, bay leaf, and chicken broth.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 60–90 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent peas from catching on the bottom of the pot.
Cook until peas are tender and soup thickens to your desired consistency. If necessary, add more broth if it becomes too thick.

Step 3: Blend for Creaminess

Once cooked:
Remove the ham bone and shred off as much meat as you can. Discard the bone(s) and any fat.
Return shredded ham back into the soup.
Remove bay leaves.
Take out two cups of soup and blend until smooth. Return this blended puree back into the pot.
Taste and season with additional salt/pepper as needed.

Step 4: Serve Your Delicious Soup

Ladle soup into bowls.
Serve with hearty buttered bread on the side.
Optionally sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for garnish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup is a hearty meal that can be served in various delightful ways. Pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience, making it perfect for any occasion.

With Crusty Bread

Sourdough Bread – The tanginess of sourdough complements the creamy texture of split pea soup beautifully.
Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread adds a flavorful punch, enhancing the overall taste with every bite.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a mild flavor that brightens the dish.
Fresh Thyme Leaves – Adding fresh thyme enhances the earthy taste of the soup, making each spoonful aromatic.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top just before serving adds richness and depth to split pea soup.

Served with Salad

Mixed Greens Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette balances the heartiness of split pea soup and provides a refreshing contrast.
Caesar Salad – The crunch from croutons and the creaminess of Caesar dressing pairs well with the thick soup.

How to Perfect Split Pea Soup

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Split Pea Soup, follow these simple tips.

Choose Fresh Split Peas – Using fresh green split peas ensures they will cook evenly and yield a smooth consistency.
Cook Low and Slow – Allowing the soup to simmer slowly helps develop deeper flavors and ensures the peas soften perfectly.
Blend for Creaminess – Pureeing a portion of the soup creates a delightful creamy texture while keeping some chunks for added substance.
Adjust Seasoning Last – Taste before serving; adjusting seasoning at this stage allows you to balance flavors according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Split Pea Soup

Pairing side dishes with Split Pea Soup can transform your meal into a feast. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic pairing; its melty cheese provides a comforting contrast to the thick soup.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and nutrients, balancing out the meal’s flavors.
Cornbread – The sweetness of cornbread contrasts nicely with savory split pea soup for a well-rounded dish.
Potato Pancakes – Crispy potato pancakes offer great texture alongside the creamy nature of split pea soup.
Baked Potatoes – Simple baked potatoes topped with butter or sour cream can be filling companions to your soup.
Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms introduce additional flavors that complement split pea soup beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Split Pea Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

Using old split peas: Old split peas may not soften properly during cooking. Always check the expiration date and use fresh split peas for the best texture.
Not seasoning adequately: Underseasoning can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process for a flavorful dish.
Ignoring simmer time: Rushing the cooking process will leave the split peas undercooked. Allow ample time for the soup to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.
Forgetting to blend: If you prefer a creamier texture, don’t skip blending part of the soup. This adds richness and improves consistency.
Skipping the ham bone: The ham bone adds depth of flavor. If you don’t use it, consider adding smoked meat or additional seasonings to enhance taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Split Pea Soup can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Split Pea Soup

Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Split Pea Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating for about 30 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals (2-3 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Split Pea Soup.

Can I make Split Pea Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Just omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I thicken my Split Pea Soup?

To thicken your soup further, continue cooking uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency or blend a portion of it for added creaminess.

What can I serve with Split Pea Soup?

Pair with hearty buttered bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s perfect any time.

Can I use dried split peas instead of canned?

Absolutely! Dried split peas are ideal and will give you that classic texture and flavor you’re looking for in your Split Pea Soup.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Split Pea Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or spices according to your preferences. Give this delicious recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Split Pea Soup

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Author: Grace
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Split Pea Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. This hearty soup combines the nutritious goodness of split peas with fresh vegetables and tender ham, resulting in a rich, creamy texture that delights the palate. Easy to prepare, this dish is not only satisfying but also customizable—add your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch. Enjoy it fresh or as a delicious leftover, as it tastes even better the next day. Whether served with crusty bread or paired with a salad, Split Pea Soup is a nourishing meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups finely diced onion (about 2 medium onions)
1 cup finely diced carrot (2 to 3 large carrots)
1 cup finely diced celery (3 to 4 stalks)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (4 cloves)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1–1/2 cups green split peas (rinsed)
8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 meaty ham bone (or ham hocks)

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Instructions

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrot, celery, and season with salt and pepper until softened (5–8 minutes). Add garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in rinsed split peas, ham bone, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 60–90 minutes until peas are tender.
Remove the ham bone and shred any meat to return to the pot. Blend part of the soup for creaminess if desired and adjust seasoning before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American