Split Pea Soup
Split Pea Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul. This thick, creamy soup is loaded with hearty vegetables, split peas, and tender ham, making it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings everyone together. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover ham or simply craving something nutritious and delicious, this Split Pea Soup is sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Hearty: Packed with fiber and protein from split peas and ham, this soup is healthy and filling.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delightful dish.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of spices and fresh veggies creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with hearty buttered bread for a complete meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for quick meals later.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on your Split Pea Soup, gather your essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot (5.5 quarts or larger)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Blender (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heating to prevent burning the peas as they cook.
- Blender: Helps achieve a creamy texture by pureeing part of the soup for added richness.
Ingredients
Split Pea Soup is thick, creamy, and packed with veggies, split peas, and tender ham—humble-looking but bursting with flavor!
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cups finely diced onion (2 medium onions)
– 1 cup finely diced carrot (2 to 3 large carrots)
– 1 cup finely diced celery (3 to 4 stalks)
– Salt and pepper
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic (4 cloves)
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1-1/2 cups green split peas (rinsed; old split peas may not soften)
– 2 small bay leaves (or 1 large)
– 1 meaty ham bone (or ham hocks, plus more ham if desired)
– 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
– Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
– Hearty buttered bread (for serving)
How to Make Split Pea Soup
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil. Add onion, carrot, celery, and salt/pepper to taste. Cook until the vegetables are softened and the onion begins to turn golden, about 5–8 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute while stirring constantly. Then add rinsed split peas into the mix.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Add the ham bone, bay leaf, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 60–90 minutes. Stir occasionally so that the peas don’t catch on the bottom of the pot. Cook until the peas are tender and the soup reaches your desired thickness.
Step 3: Shred Ham & Blend
Once ready to serve, remove the ham bone from the pot. Shred off as much meat as possible from it and discard any bones or fat. Return shredded ham back into the soup. If you prefer more meatiness in your soup, feel free to add additional chopped ham at this point.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess
Remove bay leaves from the pot. Take out about two cups of soup and blend until completely smooth using an immersion blender or traditional blender. Return this pureed mixture back into the pot for added creaminess. Taste your soup before serving; adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Ladle your delicious Split Pea Soup into bowls. Serve with hearty buttered bread alongside a sprinkle of pepper and fresh thyme leaves if desired. Enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Split Pea Soup
Split Pea Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and garnishes to enhance your dining experience.
With Hearty Bread
- Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – This classic sandwich offers a delightful crunch alongside the smooth texture of the soup.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and flavor.
- Thyme Sprigs – Fresh thyme enhances the herbaceous notes in the soup, making each bite more aromatic.
With Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar – Melting cheddar on top creates a rich, creamy layer that complements the soup’s flavors.
- Parmesan Dusting – A light dusting of grated Parmesan adds a salty kick and enhances overall taste.
With Proteins
- Extra Ham – Adding extra chopped ham provides more depth and makes it more filling.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs – Sliced hard-boiled eggs can offer an interesting twist on traditional serving.
How to Perfect Split Pea Soup
Perfecting your Split Pea Soup can elevate it from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best results.
- Use Fresh Split Peas – Old peas may not soften properly. Always check for freshness before cooking.
- Adjust Consistency – If your soup thickens too much, add more broth gradually to reach your preferred texture.
- Enhance Flavor with Broth – Using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought can significantly boost flavor.
- Blend for Creaminess – Blending part of the soup creates a luxurious creamy texture without adding cream.
- Taste Before Serving – Always taste and adjust seasoning just before serving for optimal flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Split Pea Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Split Pea Soup can make for a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Buttered Cornbread – Sweet and soft, cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
- Leafy Green Salad – A fresh salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup with crispness.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted vegetables add extra nutrients and flavor, making your meal heartier.
- Pickles or Relish – The tanginess of pickles cuts through the creaminess, offering a refreshing bite.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges make a satisfying addition that complements the textures in the soup.
- Cheesy Biscuits – Flaky biscuits with cheese bring warmth and comfort alongside your bowl of split pea goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Split Pea Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using old split peas: Old split peas may not soften properly during cooking. Always check the package date and use fresh split peas for best results.
- Skipping the soaking step: While not always necessary, soaking split peas can help them cook faster and achieve a creamier texture. If you have time, soak them for a few hours before cooking.
- Over-seasoning early: Adding too much salt or seasoning at the beginning can overpower the flavors. Season gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
- Not stirring enough: Split peas can stick to the bottom of the pot, especially as they thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Ignoring consistency adjustments: The soup may become too thick as it cooks. Don’t hesitate to add more broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Split Pea Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.
Reheating Split Pea Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely; heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Split Pea Soup made of?
Split Pea Soup is made with green split peas, vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, along with ham or a ham bone for flavor.
Can I make Split Pea Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How long does it take to cook Split Pea Soup?
Cooking Split Pea Soup typically takes about 60–90 minutes on low heat until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
What can I serve with Split Pea Soup?
Pair your soup with hearty buttered bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Split Pea Soup recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish that warms both the body and soul!
Split Pea Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort of homemade Split Pea Soup, a thick and creamy dish that warms both body and soul. This nourishing soup is brimming with hearty vegetables, protein-packed split peas, and tender ham, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With its rich flavors and smooth texture, this recipe not only utilizes leftover ham but also delivers a wholesome meal that everyone will love. Perfect for meal prep, this soup stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, ensuring you always have a comforting dish on hand.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups finely diced onion (2 medium onions)
- 1 cup finely diced carrot (2 to 3 large carrots)
- 1 cup finely diced celery (3 to 4 stalks)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (4 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1–1/2 cups green split peas (rinsed; old split peas may not soften)
- 2 small bay leaves (or 1 large)
- 1 meaty ham bone (or ham hocks, plus more ham if desired)
- 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Hearty buttered bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot, then add onions, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and spices; cook for another minute before adding rinsed split peas.
- Add ham bone and chicken broth; bring to a boil and then simmer uncovered for 60–90 minutes.
- Remove ham bone; shred meat back into the pot. Blend part of the soup for creaminess if desired.
- Adjust seasoning, serve hot with bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
