Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Heartwarming Comfort

Green meadows of legumes dance through my childhood memories of hearty split pea soup.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen still whisper warmth from her favorite recipe.

Comfort wraps around each spoonful like a soft blanket on chilly afternoons.

Nutrition and flavor blend seamlessly in this classic dish that never disappoints.

Humble ingredients come together with surprising elegance and robust character.

Fragrant herbs and tender vegetables elevate this simple soup into something extraordinary.

Let you savor each green-flecked moment of culinary bliss waiting to unfold.

Why Split Pea Soup Is Always a Classic

• This split pea soup recipe delivers a delicious meal with minimal prep work, requiring just basic chopping and simple sautéing techniques perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Packed with protein-rich split peas, hearty vegetables, and warming spices, this soup provides a complete and healthy meal that nourishes the body while satisfying hunger.
• Using affordable ingredients like dried split peas, common vegetables, and basic seasonings, this recipe offers an economical way to create a filling and flavorful dish that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.
• Ideal for cold days and cozy nights, this soup serves as a comforting main course that can be easily customized with optional ingredients like ham or bacon for added flavor complexity.

What You’ll Need for Split Pea Soup

• Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic foundation to the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrots, Celery: Provide depth, subtle sweetness, and classic mirepoix base for the soup.

• Garlic: Brings robust, pungent flavor and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Thyme: Offers earthy, slightly minty herbal notes that complement the vegetables.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky warmth and rich color to the soup.

• Split Peas: Hearty legume that creates thick, creamy texture and provides substantial protein.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Builds the soup's liquid foundation with rich, savory flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates initial cooking base and adds subtle richness to the soup's overall taste.

How to Make Split Pea Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a perfect base for your soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

Stir the vegetables occasionally, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance with Spices and Herbs

• Minced garlic
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Smoked paprika

Cook for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with an enticing aroma, which signals the spices are perfectly activated.

Step 4: Incorporate Split Peas

• Dried split peas
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Water

Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and prevent peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook until the split peas become creamy and tender, which typically takes 45-60 minutes.

Step 6: Season and Adjust Consistency

• Salt
• Black pepper

If the soup seems too thick, splash in additional broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Croutons
• Sour cream

Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, smoky warmth of homemade split pea soup.

Split Pea Soup Tips That Make a Difference

• Boost Veggie Flavor: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ham hock with smoked turkey or bacon for different flavor profiles or use vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.
• Control Soup Consistency: Add more broth or water if soup becomes too thick during simmering, or let it reduce longer for a heartier texture.
• Enhance Depth of Flavor: Toast dried herbs briefly in the pot before adding liquid to release their essential oils and intensify their taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Split pea soup freezes excellently for up to 3 months, making it perfect for batch cooking and quick future meals.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Split Pea Soup

• Store leftover split pea soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened during storage to restore desired consistency.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and add liquid if needed to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.

Side Dishes That Go with Split Pea Soup

• Pair this hearty split pea soup with a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's richness and complement its earthy vegetable notes.
• Serve alongside a rustic sourdough or crusty French baguette, which provides perfect textural contrast and helps soak up the soup's delicious broth.
• Add a side of honey-glazed ham or crispy bacon bits on top, enhancing the soup's smoky undertones and providing a delightful protein-rich crunch.
• Garnish with a small mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the soup's dense and creamy consistency.

Split Pea Soup Versions to Explore

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ham or bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, adding a savory, protein-rich alternative for plant-based eaters.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking broth and seasonings to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium vegetable broth, reduce or eliminate added salt, and incorporate herbs like rosemary or sage for enhanced flavor without extra sodium.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap split peas with cauliflower or zucchini, using bone broth and adding extra fatty ingredients like heavy cream or additional butter to maintain ketogenic macronutrient ratios.

Split Pea Soup FAQs

• Are split peas nutritious?

Split peas are packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium and iron. They’re a low-fat, heart-healthy ingredient that provides sustained energy and supports digestive health.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the ham or bacon with smoked tofu or use vegetable broth instead of meat-based stock. You’ll maintain a rich, smoky flavor without animal products.

• How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?

Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially mash some of the split peas and vegetables. This will naturally create a thicker, creamier texture without adding extra ingredients.

• Is split pea soup good for meal prep?

Yes, this soup freezes excellently and can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 45 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld together, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Split Pea Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty split pea soup simmers with smoky ham and garden-fresh vegetables, creating a comforting meal that warms from within. Creamy, rich textures and deep flavor welcome you to savor each spoonful of this classic comfort dish.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 6 cups (1.5L) chicken or vegetable broth
• 12 cups (240-480ml) water
• 1 ham bone, ham hock, or 1 cup diced cooked ham (optional for smoky flavor)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the chosen fat in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, creating a golden base for the soup’s aromatics.
2. Introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery, gently coaxing them to soften and release their natural sweetness, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, fragrant thyme, and smoky paprika, allowing the herbs and spices to bloom and intensify their flavors, releasing an enticing aroma throughout the kitchen.
4. Tumble in the split peas, carefully stirring to coat them with the seasoned vegetable mixture, ensuring each legume is embraced by the spice blend.
5. Pour in the broth and water, creating a harmonious liquid base that will transform the ingredients into a silky, comforting soup.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cover, allowing the peas to gradually break down and meld with the surrounding ingredients.
7. Periodically stir and skim any foam that rises to the surface, maintaining the soup’s clarity and smooth texture.
8. Continue cooking until the split peas become completely tender and begin to disintegrate, creating a naturally creamy consistency.
9. If using ham or bacon, fold in the smoky protein during the final moments of cooking to infuse additional depth of flavor.
10. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to achieve a perfectly balanced profile.
11. Let the soup rest briefly before serving, allowing the flavors to fully develop and settle.
12. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of cream for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap out ham for smoky tempeh or liquid smoke to create a vegetarian version that still packs incredible depth of flavor.
• Use low-sodium broth or water to control salt levels, especially if adding ham or salty ingredients later in cooking.
• Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture while keeping some chunks for hearty, rustic appeal and varied mouthfeel.
• Freeze leftover soup in individual portions for quick, nutritious meals that reheat beautifully without losing quality or taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 5mg