Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup
This split pea soup is a go-to for anyone craving a simple, hearty meal that hits the spot every time. It’s straightforward to make, using everyday ingredients that come together quickly, perfect for busy folks looking to whip up something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the rich flavors and comforting warmth make it feel like a hug in a bowl, especially on chilly days.
One of the best things about this split pea soup is its health perks you can feel good about. Packed with protein and fiber from the peas, it helps keep you full and supports digestion, while ingredients like veggies and herbs add vitamins that boost your energy. Whether you’re a student grabbing a quick lunch or a working professional needing a balanced meal, this recipe fits right in with a healthy lifestyle.
You can tweak this split pea soup to match all sorts of tastes and diets. It’s easy to make it vegan by swapping a few items, or add extras for more flavor if you’re feeding a family. That flexibility means everyone from busy parents to food enthusiasts can enjoy it just the way they like. For more ideas on hearty soups, check out our chicken pot pie pasta recipe for another comforting option.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Split Pea Soup
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Split Pea Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Split Pea Soup
- 5. Mastering Split Pea Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Split Pea Soup: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Split Pea Soup
- 8. Split Pea Soup
Essential Ingredients for Split Pea Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious split pea soup that warms you up from the inside out. This recipe focuses on fresh, simple items that build a flavorful base, ensuring your soup turns out just right every time. Below is a complete list of everything you’ll need, pulled straight from this classic version.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 1 1/4 cups chopped celery (approximately 3 ribs)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (1 clove)
- 4 cups unsalted chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 sixteen-ounce bag of dried split peas (rinsed and picked over) (about 454 grams)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 pounds of a meaty ham bone or ham shanks
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- parsley for garnish (optional)
These ingredients create a balanced mix of flavors and textures, making your split pea soup hearty and satisfying. For more on how simple ingredients can transform a meal, you might like our sweet potato casserole recipe, which uses everyday items for a tasty side.
How to Prepare the Perfect Split Pea Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started with split pea soup is easier than you might think, and it all begins with a few basic steps in your kitchen. First, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat to build that flavorful base.
Next, sauté 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion and 1 1/4 cups chopped celery for about 3 minutes until they soften, then add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook for another minute to bring out the aroma.
Now, pour in 4 cups unsalted chicken broth and 4 cups water, then stir in the 1 sixteen-ounce bag of dried split peas (rinsed and picked over), 2 bay leaves, and 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Lightly season with salt and pepper, nestle in the 1 1/2 pounds of a meaty ham bone or ham shanks, and bring everything to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 60 to 80 minutes, stirring now and then until the peas and ham are tender. Once done, take out the ham bone, let it rest for 10 minutes, then shred or dice the meat.
Finally, add 1 cup chopped carrots, cover again, and simmer for about 30 more minutes until the peas mostly break down. Stir the ham back in, tweak the seasoning with more salt if needed, and serve it warm, maybe with parsley for garnish if you like. This method keeps things simple yet delicious for home cooks of all levels.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Split Pea Soup
Making split pea soup your own is all about smart swaps that fit your needs. For instance, if you’re going vegan, swap the ham bone for something like smoked tofu to keep that hearty feel without the meat.
- Replace split peas with lentils or chickpeas for a fresh twist on the protein base.
- Use smoked tofu or tempeh to add a vegan protein boost.
- Swap carrots with sweet potatoes for extra sweetness and creaminess.
- Try adding turmeric or curry powder to mix up the flavors.
- Opt for low-sodium broth to keep things lighter on salt.
These changes let you adapt the soup for gluten-free or low-calorie diets easily. Remember, a little creativity can make your split pea soup even more enjoyable for everyone at the table.
Mastering Split Pea Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
Taking your split pea soup to the next level starts with some smart techniques. Soak the split peas briefly before cooking to cut down on time and get a smoother texture that everyone will love.
Flavor variations can really make it pop try tossing in smoked paprika or cumin for a smoky kick, or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a bit of tang. Fresh herbs like parsley at the end brighten things up nicely.
| Technique | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Pressure cooking | Speeds up cooking and enhances tenderness |
| Adding herbs at the end | Keeps flavors fresh and vibrant |
For presentation, top it with chopped parsley, a swirl of coconut cream, or crispy fried onions. And if you’re planning ahead, make a big batch and freeze portions for easy meals later. For more meal prep ideas, an external resource like Split Peas Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits can offer extra insights.
How to Store Split Pea Soup: Best Practices
Keeping your split pea soup fresh is simple with the right storage tips. Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay good for up to 4 days, ready for a quick reheating anytime.
If you want to save it longer, freeze it in portioned containers or bags for up to 3 months just leave some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, warm it slowly on the stove, adding a little broth if it thickens up.
For meal prep, cooking a large pot and dividing it into servings makes life easier during the week. This way, you always have a comforting bowl waiting without much effort.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Split Pea Soup
How long does homemade split pea soup stay fresh in the fridge?
Homemade split pea soup typically stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the soup thickens as it cools, you can thin it out with a bit of water or broth when reheating to reach your preferred consistency.
Can I freeze split pea soup, and how do I store it properly?
Yes, split pea soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about a ¾-inch space at the top to allow for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or microwave.
What is the best way to make split pea soup in a slow cooker?
To make split pea soup in a slow cooker, reduce the liquid to about 2 cups of water or broth to account for less evaporation. Add all ingredients except fresh herbs like parsley into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours until peas are tender. Remove any ham bone, shred the meat, and return it to the soup before serving.
How can I quickly prepare split pea soup in an Instant Pot?
For a quick Instant Pot split pea soup, sauté chopped onions and celery using the sauté setting for about 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute. Cancel sauté mode, then add broth, water, split peas, carrots, herbs, and ham bone. Seal and cook on manual high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure. Shred ham from the bone and mix back in.
What side dishes pair well with split pea soup?
Split pea soup pairs nicely with crusty bread such as sourdough or a baguette, which helps balance its hearty texture. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make for light, complementary sides. You can also serve it with savory crackers or cheese toast for a comforting meal.
Split Pea Soup
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, High Protein
Description
🥣 Enjoy a hearty and comforting meal that’s rich in protein and fiber, perfect for chilly days.
🍲 This split pea soup recipe combines wholesome ingredients with savory ham for a deliciously satisfying dish.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 1/4 cups chopped celery (approximately 3 ribs)
1 teaspoon minced garlic (1 clove)
4 cups unsalted chicken broth
4 cups water
1 sixteen-ounce bag of dried split peas (rinsed and picked over) (about 454 grams)
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 pounds of a meaty ham bone or ham shanks
1 cup chopped carrots
parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1-Getting started: Getting started with split pea soup is easier than you might think, and it all begins with a few basic steps in your kitchen. First, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat to build that flavorful base.
2-Next: sauté 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion and 1 1/4 cups chopped celery for about 3 minutes until they soften, then add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook for another minute to bring out the aroma.
3-Now: pour in 4 cups unsalted chicken broth and 4 cups water, then stir in the 1 sixteen-ounce bag of dried split peas (rinsed and picked over), 2 bay leaves, and 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Lightly season with salt and pepper, nestle in the 1 1/2 pounds of a meaty ham bone or ham shanks, and bring everything to a boil.
4-Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 60 to 80 minutes, stirring now and then until the peas and ham are tender. Once done, take out the ham bone, let it rest for 10 minutes, then shred or dice the meat.
5-Finally, add 1 cup chopped carrots, cover again, and simmer for about 30 more minutes until the peas mostly break down. Stir the ham back in, tweak the seasoning with more salt if needed, and serve it warm, maybe with parsley for garnish if you like. This method keeps things simple yet delicious for home cooks of all levels.
Notes
🍲 For a thicker texture, mash some of the peas with a spoon during cooking.
🥕 Add additional vegetables like potatoes or parsnips for extra heartiness.
🥄 Use leftover ham or smoked turkey as an alternative to the ham bone to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
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- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Split Pea Soup, Hearty Soup, Comfort Food, Ham Bone Soup