Split pea soup is a timeless, nourishing dish that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a bowl of comfort.
Made with simple ingredients like split peas, vegetables, and savory ham, this soup is rich in flavor and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is easy to make and always hits the spot.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Serves: 6-8 persons
Health Benefits of Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Split peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like folate and iron.
The vegetables add antioxidants and vitamins, while the ham (or smoked turkey) provides a boost of flavor and protein.
This soup is low in fat and high in nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried green or yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 ham hock or 1 cup diced ham (optional for vegetarian version)
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Execution
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add Split Peas and Ham: Stir in the rinsed split peas, ham hock (or diced ham), bay leaves, and thyme. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Remove the Ham Hock: If using a ham hock, remove it from the pot, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaves.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Additional Tips
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor.
- Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup for a creamier texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
