Cozy Up with this Soul-Warming Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

Comfort comes in a warm bowl of split pea soup that offers rich, velvety goodness.

Cold winter nights call for this nourishing classic packed with savory flavors.

Tender green split peas simmer alongside smoky ham and hearty vegetables, creating a deeply satisfying meal.

Each spoonful delivers a creamy texture that warms you from the inside out.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with traditional cooking techniques for maximum flavor.

Robust and filling, this soup transforms humble ingredients into a delectable dish that feels like a culinary hug.

You’ll want to ladle this comforting soup into bowls and savor every delicious bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Split Pea Soup

• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that builds depth of flavor in the soup.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, creating a rich and wholesome texture.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle herbal note and crisp background to the soup's flavor profile.
• Garlic: Introduces a pungent, savory kick that elevates the overall taste complexity.

• Thyme: Delivers an earthy, slightly minty undertone that complements the split peas beautifully.
• Smoked Paprika: Offers a smoky, warm dimension that enhances the soup's rustic character.

• Split Peas: The star of the dish, providing creamy texture, high protein content, and hearty green color.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates a smooth base for sautéing vegetables and prevents sticking while adding rich flavor.

Cooking Tools for Classic Split Pea Soup

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and cooking the entire soup.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, and celery.
• Sharp knife: Key for precise vegetable preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and herbs.
• Ladle: Useful for serving the finished soup.

Instructions to Make Split Pea Soup Smooth

• Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

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

• Build Your Veggie Foundation

Toss in chopped onion, carrots, and celery, letting them dance and soften for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender and release their amazing aromas.

• Awaken the Flavors

Sprinkle in minced garlic, fresh thyme, and a dash of smoked paprika, stirring everything together and letting the spices bloom for roughly 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

• Introduce Split Peas

Pour in split peas and vegetable or chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat and let everything simmer peacefully, stirring occasionally.

• Slow Simmer to Perfection

Cover the pot and let the soup bubble softly for about 45-60 minutes. The peas will break down and create a creamy, comforting texture that screams homemade goodness.

• Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you want extra creaminess, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Tips for Thickening or Enhancing Flavor

• Soup Savvy Storage: Refrigerate leftover split pea soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for 3 months for a quick future meal.
• Protein Power Boost: Swap ham for cooked chicken, turkey, or even crispy tofu to create a versatile protein option that suits different dietary preferences.
• Veggie Lover's Twist: Add extra vegetables like diced zucchini, spinach, or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking to increase nutrient density and create more complex flavors.
• Texture Trick: For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially or fully puree the soup, creating a creamy texture without adding extra cream.
• Low-Sodium Solution: Replace ham with smoked turkey or use a small amount of liquid smoke to maintain depth of flavor while reducing sodium content for heart-healthy diets.

Serving a Bowl of Split Pea Soup

• Hearty Bread Companion: Serve thick slices of crusty sourdough or rustic rye bread alongside the soup, perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, creamy broth.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the soup with crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to add extra protein and create a more substantial meal.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions on top just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color and freshness.
• Comfort Bowl Style: Pair the soup with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and create a complete, satisfying meal.

Split Pea Soup Storage Suggestions

• Refrigerator Refresh: Store leftover soup in airtight containers and enjoy within 4-5 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Batch: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into individual containers for quick, convenient meals anytime you need a comforting dish.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm soup on stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to restore original consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
• Flavor Boost Storage Tip: Keep fresh herbs like parsley or chives separate until serving. Sprinkle on top just before eating to add a vibrant, fresh taste and beautiful green color to your split pea soup.

Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty split pea soup brings comfort from French countryside kitchens with classic ham and vegetable ingredients. Warm, rich flavors blend smoothly, offering nourishing satisfaction you can savor without hesitation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Heat chosen fat in a large pot over medium heat, creating a golden foundation for the soup’s aromatics.
2. Sautéing Vegetables: Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and translucent, stirring to prevent scorching while developing a rich flavor base.
3. Seasoning: Introduce minced garlic, thyme, and paprika, stirring to activate herbs and spices, releasing their robust essence throughout the cooking vessel.
4. Legume Integration: Fold in split peas, coating thoroughly with the vegetable and spice mixture, ensuring complete flavor absorption.
5. Liquid Foundation: Pour broth and water into the pot, creating a harmonious cooking medium that will transform ingredients into a velvety soup.
6. Simmering Process: Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat, and cover, allowing split peas to break down and meld with surrounding ingredients for approximately 45-50 minutes.
7. Final Touches: Incorporate ham or bacon if desired, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
8. Serving: Remove from heat, let rest briefly to allow flavors to intensify, then ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a creamy dollop for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Burning: Stir vegetables frequently and maintain medium-low heat to avoid scorching and develop rich caramelized flavors without bitterness.
• Pea Texture Management: Cook split peas slowly and gently to ensure they break down smoothly without becoming mushy or losing their subtle texture.
• Enhanced Flavor Layering: Toast herbs and spices briefly in fat before adding liquid to maximize their aromatic potential and deepen the soup’s complexity.
• Dietary Adaptability: Substitute ham with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for vegetarian version, or use turkey bacon for lower-fat alternative without compromising depth of flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 10mg