Classic Split Pea Soup is a hearty, comforting dish made with dried split peas, savory vegetables, and optional smoky ham for added depth. This simple, one-pot meal is perfect for warming up on a chilly day and makes great leftovers for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with fiber and protein from split peas.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal effort.
- Customizable: Add ham for a smoky touch or keep it vegetarian.
- Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep and storing leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dried split peas (rinsed and picked over)
- Olive oil
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic cloves (minced)
- Carrots (sliced)
- Celery (sliced)
- Potatoes (diced, optional for a heartier texture)
- Vegetable broth or chicken broth
- Bay leaf
- Thyme (dried or fresh)
- Smoked ham hock, diced ham, or bacon (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add Split Peas and Liquid:
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaf, and thyme. If using, add the ham hock or diced ham.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are soft and the soup is thickened.
- Adjust Consistency:
- For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup or blend half of it in a blender and return to the pot. Leave it chunky if preferred.
- Season and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Split Pea Soup: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
- Add Greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or sage for extra depth.
- Lentil Blend: Mix in some lentils for a variation in texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.
FAQs
1. Do I need to soak split peas before cooking?
No, split peas cook quickly without soaking. Just rinse them to remove any debris.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. How do I prevent split peas from sticking to the pot?
Stir the soup occasionally while cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid.
4. Can I use canned peas?
This recipe is designed for dried split peas, which break down and thicken the soup. Canned peas won’t achieve the same texture.
5. What’s the best type of ham to use?
Smoked ham hocks, diced ham, or leftover ham work wonderfully for added flavor.
6. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.
7. How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or mash some of the peas with a spoon.
8. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Potatoes, parsnips, or leeks are great additions to this soup.
9. How do I make it creamier?
Blend part of the soup or stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for extra creaminess.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pot and adjust seasoning as needed for a larger batch.
Conclusion
Classic Split Pea Soup is a timeless, comforting recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you keep it vegetarian or add smoky ham, this hearty dish is perfect for cold days or meal prep. Try it with crusty bread for a satisfying and wholesome meal!
PrintClassic Split Pea Soup Recipe
This hearty and comforting split pea soup is made with tender split peas, smoky ham (optional), and simple vegetables. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is easy to make and packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
- 1 lb (450g) dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 6 cups (1.5L) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1–2 cups (240–480ml) water (as needed)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 ham bone, ham hock, or 1 cup diced cooked ham (optional for smoky flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika (if using), and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the Split Peas and Liquid:
- Add the rinsed split peas, broth, water, bay leaf, and ham bone or hock (if using).
- Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer the Soup:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Add more water or broth if the soup becomes too thick.
4. Adjust Seasoning:
- Remove the bay leaf and ham bone. If using a ham bone, shred any remaining meat and stir it back into the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add a teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked salt for flavor.
- Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture, or leave it chunky for a rustic style.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.