Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup is a comforting dish that warms the heart and soul. This thick and creamy soup combines the earthy flavors of split peas with tender ham and a medley of vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, Split Pea Soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough to serve as a main course or side dish. Its rich flavor profile and hearty texture make it a family favorite, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Vegetables
• Seasonings
• Main Ingredients
• Garnishes
• How to Make Split Pea Soup
• Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
• Step 2: Combine Ingredients
• Step 3: Shred Ham
• Step 4: Serve
• How to Serve Split Pea Soup
• With Hearty Bread
• Topped with Fresh Herbs
• With a Side Salad
• Garnished with Cheese
• How to Perfect Split Pea Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Split Pea Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Split Pea Soup
• Reheating Split Pea Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Split Pea Soup vegetarian?
• How do I thicken my Split Pea Soup?
• What should I serve with Split Pea Soup?
• Can I use other types of peas?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with nutritious ingredients, this soup fills you up while being low in calories.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious meal without much hassle.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with leftover veggies or additional meats based on what you have at home.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch and freeze portions for quick meals on busy days.
• Budget-Friendly: Split peas are inexpensive and provide great value for nutritious meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot (5.5 quarts or larger)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Blender (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heat distribution, preventing the soup from burning on the bottom.
• Blender: Helps achieve the desired creamy consistency by pureeing part of the soup.

Ingredients

Split Pea Soup is thick, creamy, and packed with veggies, split peas, and tender ham—humble-looking but bursting with flavor!

Vegetables

• 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

Seasonings

• 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

Main Ingredients

• 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

Garnishes

• Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• Hearty buttered bread (for serving)

How to Make Split Pea Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add finely diced onion, carrot, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are softened and the onion begins to turn golden, about 5–8 minutes. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ground cumin, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 1 minute before adding rinsed split peas.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add the meaty ham bone, bay leaves, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 60–90 minutes. Stir occasionally so that the split peas don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Cook until peas are tender and soup has thickened.

Step 3: Shred Ham

When ready to serve, remove the ham bone from the pot. Shred any meat off the bone and return it back into the soup. Discard any fat or bones left behind along with bay leaves. If you prefer an extra creamy texture, remove about 2 cups of soup from the pot and blend until smooth before mixing it back in.

Step 4: Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls. Serve with hearty buttered bread on the side along with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Enjoy your delicious Split Pea Soup!

How to Serve Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup is not just delicious; it’s also versatile in how you can enjoy it. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

With Hearty Bread

• Crusty Baguette – Perfect for dipping, a fresh baguette adds a crunchy texture that complements the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread – The buttery, garlicky flavor enhances the soup’s taste and makes for a satisfying combination.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
• Thyme Leaves – Using fresh thyme leaves gives an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the flavors in the soup.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, making it a well-rounded meal.
• Caesar Salad – The crunchiness of romaine and creaminess of Caesar dressing contrasts nicely with the smooth soup.

Garnished with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan – A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds saltiness and depth to your bowl of Split Pea Soup.
• Feta Crumbles – For a unique twist, feta cheese offers a tangy flavor that enhances the soup.

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How to Perfect Split Pea Soup

To achieve the best version of your Split Pea Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh veggies and good-quality split peas contribute significantly to the overall flavor and texture.
• Adjust Consistency – If your soup becomes too thick, add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Blend for Creaminess – Blending part of the soup creates a velvety texture, enhancing its richness without needing heavy cream.
• Let It Rest – Allowing the soup to sit after cooking helps deepen the flavors as they meld together.
• Season Gradually – Taste and adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking for optimal flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Split Pea Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Split Pea Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic choice that’s gooey and comforting alongside warm soup.
2. Cornbread Muffins – Slightly sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to savory flavors in the soup.
3. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges provide crunch and heartiness that pairs well with creamy soups.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients while complementing the main dish.
5. Coleslaw – A refreshing slaw provides crunch and acidity that balances out the rich flavors of Split Pea Soup.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Hearty stuffed peppers make for a filling side that matches nicely with this flavorful soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Split Pea Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.

• Using old split peas: Old split peas may not soften properly during cooking. Always check the expiration date and use fresh peas for the best results.
• Skipping the sauté step: Neglecting to sauté the onions and vegetables can lead to a less flavorful soup. Take time to cook them until they are softened and fragrant.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process can make your soup bland. Taste at different stages and add salt or pepper as needed.
• Overcooking the soup: Cooking split pea soup too long can make it mushy. Aim for a balance where the peas are tender but still hold some shape.
• Ignoring blending options: Not blending part of the soup can result in a chunky texture that some may not prefer. Blend a portion for creaminess while maintaining some texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The soup will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Split Pea Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Split Pea Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe pot for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring often until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Split Pea Soup.

Can I make Split Pea Soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit any meat. Add more veggies or legumes for flavor.

How do I thicken my Split Pea Soup?

If your soup is too thin, you can blend a portion of it back into the pot or simmer it longer without a lid to reduce liquid.

What should I serve with Split Pea Soup?

It’s perfect with hearty buttered bread or croutons on top. A fresh salad also pairs well with this comforting dish.

Can I use other types of peas?

While green split peas are traditional, yellow split peas can be used as well. They yield a slightly different flavor but work just as well.

Final Thoughts

Split Pea Soup is not only delicious but also versatile! It’s perfect for using leftover ham or transforming into a vegetarian delight. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spices. Try this comforting recipe today!