If you’re looking for a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s packed with flavor, this split pea soup recipe is the perfect choice! It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s hearty, nutritious, and full of delicious smoky flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a chilly evening or meal prepping for the week, this soup is always a winner.
Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Easy One-Pot Meal: Everything simmers in one pot for minimal cleanup.
- Rich and Nutritious: High in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Versatile: Simple ingredient swaps make it vegetarian-friendly.
- Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: For sautéing and adding richness.
- Onion, Carrots, and Celery: The flavorful base of the soup.
- Garlic: Adds a delicious depth of flavor.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Give the soup a creamy texture.
- Dried Split Peas: The star ingredient, packed with plant-based protein.
- Smoked Ham: Adds a smoky, savory taste (can be omitted for a vegetarian version).
- Chicken Broth & Water: The liquid base; swap for vegetable broth if needed.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- Fresh Thyme & Bay Leaf: Aromatic herbs to enhance the flavor.
How to Make Split Pea Soup from Scratch
1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Chop all your vegetables and cube the ham.
- Rinse the split peas well to remove any dirt or small debris.
2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3: Combine and Simmer
- Stir in the potatoes, rinsed split peas, ham, chicken broth, water, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 1.5 hours.
- Stir occasionally, checking for consistency.
4: Adjust and Serve
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad!
Serving Suggestions
This split pea soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of soup.
- Garlic Toast: Adds a crispy, buttery crunch to your bowl.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic, comforting combination.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside for a hearty, nutrient-packed meal.
- Crackers or Breadsticks: A simple, crunchy addition to the meal.
FAQs
Yes! Simply omit the ham and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. For added depth, try a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
No, split peas do not require soaking. However, always rinse them well before cooking.
Absolutely!
Slow Cooker: Sauté the veggies first, then cook everything on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Instant Pot: Use the sauté function for the vegetables, then pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
If the soup is too thick, add extra broth or water.
If it’s too thin, simmer longer or mash some of the peas and potatoes for a naturally thicker consistency.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely and freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
Looking for more easy and flavorful soups? Try these:
This vegan split pea soup is a must-try if you’re looking for a wholesome, easy meal. Whether you prefer a vegetarian split pea soup or a classic version, this dish is incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners, this split pea soup recipe quick is sure to become a favorite!
I hope you love this split pea soup recipe as much as I do! If you make it, please leave a comment and rating below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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The Best Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A warm, comforting bowl of split pea soup packed with smoky flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
- 1 cup smoked ham, cubed (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Chop all vegetables and cube the ham.
- Rinse the split peas thoroughly.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in potatoes, split peas, ham, broth, water, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- If soup is too thick, add more broth or water.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad!
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit ham and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: split pea soup, hearty soup, easy dinner, meal prep