Split Pea Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that warms the soul. This hearty soup combines split peas, tender chunks of ham, and vibrant vegetables to create a delicious meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or bringing it to a potluck, this split pea soup is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber and protein, split pea soup is a wholesome choice that supports your health.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a light dinner or pair it with crusty bread for a filling lunch.
Freezes Well: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals on busy days.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizing inexpensive ingredients makes this dish easy on your wallet without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary tools ready. Having everything in place will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large heavy-bottomed pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Blender (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

Large heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heating and prevents ingredients from sticking or burning.
Blender: Helps achieve a creamy texture by pureeing part of the soup, enhancing overall consistency.

Ingredients

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

Soup Base

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

Flavor Enhancers

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

Main Ingredients

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, see note 3, plus more ham if desired)
8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

Optional Garnishes

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 over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onion begins to turn golden brown, about 5–8 minutes. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, ground cumin, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for about 1 minute before adding the rinsed split peas.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup

Add the ham bone, bay leaf, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 60–90 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent peas from sticking at the bottom. Cook until peas are tender and soup reaches your desired thickness. If needed, add more broth if it gets too thick.

Step 3: Blend for Creaminess

When ready to serve, remove the ham bone from the pot. Shred off as much meat as possible from the bone before discarding it along with any fat. Return shredded ham back into the soup (approximately 2 cups). Remove bay leaves from the soup. For a creamier texture, blend about 2 cups of soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Mix this puree back into the pot and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 4: Serve Hot

Ladle warm soup into bowls. Serve with hearty buttered bread on the side for dipping. If desired, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for added flavor before enjoying!

How to Serve Split Pea Soup

Serving Split Pea Soup can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative serving suggestions that complement the soup’s rich, hearty flavors.

With Hearty Bread

Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for a perfect dipper.
Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread adds flavor and crunch to each spoonful of soup.

Garnishes

Fresh Thyme: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for added freshness and color.
Croutons: Top with crunchy croutons for texture contrast in every bite.

Pairing with Salads

Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup.
Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crisp romaine add a delightful twist.

With Cheese

Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese on top for a creamy finish.
Cheese Toast: Serve cheesy toast alongside the soup for extra indulgence.

How to Perfect Split Pea Soup

Creating the perfect Split Pea Soup is an art. Follow these tips to ensure your soup is delicious every time.

Use Fresh Split Peas: Fresh peas cook faster and yield a better texture than older ones.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup thickens too much, add more broth or water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go; seasoning early can result in overly salty soup.
Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup creates a creamier texture while retaining some chunky pieces.
Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a while enhances its flavors before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Split Pea Soup

Pairing your Split Pea Soup with the right side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

Cheesy Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread topped with melted cheese makes an irresistible combo.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness, balancing the savory soup.
Brussels Sprouts Salad: A tangy Brussels sprouts salad adds crunch and acidity, perfect against the creamy soup.
Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins are sweet and fluffy, making them great for soaking up leftover broth.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs create a satisfying side that pairs well with any soup.
Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer a filling option alongside your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Split Pea Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that may affect the flavor and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:

Using old split peas – Old split peas may not soften properly during cooking. Always use fresh split peas for the best results.
Overcooking the vegetables – If you cook the vegetables too long at the beginning, they may lose their flavor. Sauté them just until soft for optimal taste.
Skipping seasoning adjustments – Not tasting and adjusting seasonings before serving can lead to bland soup. Always taste before ladling into bowls and adjust as necessary.
Not stirring frequently – If you don’t stir the soup occasionally while it simmers, the peas might stick to the bottom of the pot. Make sure to stir regularly to prevent this.
Forgetting to blend part of the soup – Not blending some of the soup can result in a less creamy texture. Blending adds creaminess without needing heavy cream.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in the container.

Freezing Split Pea Soup

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Consider portioning into smaller containers for easy reheating.

Reheating Split Pea Soup

Oven – Reheat in an oven-safe pot at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on medium power until hot, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop – Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Split Pea Soup:

What type of split peas should I use for Split Pea Soup?

You can use green or yellow split peas for your soup. Both types yield delicious results.

Can I make Split Pea Soup vegetarian?

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

How do I thicken my Split Pea Soup?

If your soup is too thin, let it simmer longer uncovered to reduce it. You can also blend part of it as mentioned in the recipe.

Can I add other vegetables to my Split Pea Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add potatoes, leeks, or even spinach for more flavor and nutrition.

How long does it take to cook Split Pea Soup?

The total cooking time is about 90 minutes after sautéing your vegetables, giving you a hearty meal in under two hours!

Final Thoughts

Split Pea Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. This recipe is perfect for using leftover ham or simply enjoying a hearty bowl on a chilly day. Give it a try and discover how satisfying homemade soup can be!

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Split Pea Soup

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x

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Description

Split Pea Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on chilly days. This hearty and nutritious dish blends tender split peas with savory ham and vibrant vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Ideal for cozy dinners or potlucks, this soup is rich in flavor and can be customized to suit various dietary needs, including vegetarian variations. Not only does it freeze well for quick meals later on, but it’s also budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that deliver big taste. Experience the joy of homemade soup with this delightful recipe!

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrot, celery, salt, and pepper until softened (5–8 minutes). Stir in garlic and seasonings; cook for an additional minute.
Add split peas, ham bone, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60–90 minutes until peas are tender.
Remove the ham bone; shred the meat back into the soup. Blend part of the soup for creaminess if desired.
Serve hot with bread or garnishes like fresh thyme.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American