Split Pea Soup

Introduction

Split Pea Soup is one of those comforting, hearty, and nourishing dishes that warms you from the inside out. With its velvety texture, earthy flavor, and wholesome ingredients, this soup has been a classic in many cultures for centuries. Traditionally made with dried green split peas, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and sometimes ham, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit vegetarian, vegan, or meat-loving preferences.

It’s not just a soup; it’s a bowl of comfort. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week, split pea soup is budget-friendly, protein-rich, and packed with fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying choice.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Split Pea Soup because it’s the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. The split peas cook down into a creamy, thick consistency without needing cream, and the flavor is earthy and rich. Adding herbs, garlic, and a touch of smoked paprika or ham creates depth that feels gourmet, yet it’s incredibly easy to make.

It’s also a recipe that feels nostalgic—it reminds me of cozy meals around the table, with bread on the side and steam rising from the bowl. Plus, it’s adaptable: you can make it vegetarian, vegan, or add ham for a smoky twist. Few recipes are this simple, satisfying, and soul-warming all at once.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Healthy & Filling – High in protein and fiber, yet low in fat.
• Budget-Friendly – Made from pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients.
• One-Pot Comfort – Easy cleanup, big flavor.
• Versatile – Customizable with or without meat.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day and freezes well.

This is the kind of dish everyone should have in their cooking repertoire—it’s wholesome, affordable, and always satisfying.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 bowls
• Calories per Serving: ~250 kcal (without ham, varies with ingredients)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: European / American comfort food
• Course: Main course or hearty soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Optional (for non-vegetarian version): 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced cooked ham
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add split peas, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and seasonings.
3. Simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until peas are soft and soup is creamy.
4. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

1. Prepare the base: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add peas and broth: Stir in the rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and paprika.
3. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if it becomes too thick.
4. Optional ham flavor: If using a ham hock, add it at the beginning of simmering. Remove at the end, shred any meat, and return it to the soup.
5. Final touches: Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with crusty bread, garlic toast, or cornbread.
• Add a side salad for a balanced meal.
• For an elegant touch, swirl a spoonful of cream or yogurt on top.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Rinse split peas thoroughly to remove excess starch.
• Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
• The soup thickens as it cools—add water or broth when reheating.
• For an extra smooth texture, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender.

Variations

• Vegan Split Pea Soup – Use vegetable broth and skip ham.
• With Ham – Add ham hock, bacon, or diced ham for smokiness.
• Spiced Version – Add cumin, curry powder, or chili flakes for warmth.
• Creamy Version – Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Add extra broth if too thick.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Immersion blender (optional, for smoother texture)

Conclusion

Split Pea Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a bowl of comfort, packed with nutrition and flavor. Whether you enjoy it plain and simple, with smoky ham, or spiced up with herbs, it’s a recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. It’s easy, affordable, and hearty enough to feed the whole family.

Print Recipe

Split Pea Soup

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Soups & Drinks

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 75 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 250 kcal

Description

Split Pea Soup is one of those comforting, hearty, and nourishing dishes that warms you from the inside out. With its velvety texture, earthy flavor, and wholesome ingredients, this soup has been a classic in many cultures for centuries.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Optional (for non-vegetarian version)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the base : Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add peas and broth : Stir in the rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and paprika.
3. Simmer : Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if it becomes too thick.
4. Optional ham flavor : If using a ham hock, add it at the beginning of simmering. Remove at the end, shred any meat, and return it to the soup.
5. Final touche: Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve : Garnish with chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Keywords: Split Pea Soup