This hearty split pea soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Made with split peas, carrots, and a touch of ham, it’s both filling and full of flavor.
It’s perfect for chilly days when you want something cozy. I love how easy it is to throw everything in a pot and let it simmer. A slice of bread on the side? Yes, please!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Split Peas: Green split peas are the star here. If you can’t find them, yellow split peas work just as well! They both provide that hearty texture and earthy flavor.
Broth: You can use either vegetable or chicken broth depending on your dietary preferences. Homemade broth adds a lovely depth, but store-bought works great too—just choose low-sodium if you’re watching your salt.
Ham: While ham adds smoky flavor, it’s optional. If you’re keeping it vegetarian, simply skip this and increase the seasoning for flavor. A dash of smoked paprika can give a similar smoky note.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other veggies such as potatoes or spinach. It’s a good way to use leftover produce and add more nutrients!
How Do You Get the Perfectly Creamy Texture in Your Soup?
Achieving that creamy texture without cream is key! The split peas naturally break down as they cook, thickening the soup beautifully. Here are some tips:
- Cooking them low and slow is crucial. This allows the peas to soften properly.
- If you like a smoother soup, blend just a portion before serving.
- Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
With these tips, you’ll have a deliciously creamy split pea soup every time! Enjoy your cooking experience!
How to Make Split Pea Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (about 2 cups) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 cup diced ham or ham bone (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 1 to 1.5 hours for cooking. In total, set aside around 2 hours to make this delightful soup from start to finish, giving you a warm and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these together until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the Split Peas:
Once the vegetables are ready, add the rinsed split peas to the pot. Mix everything together so the peas get nicely coated with the flavorful veggies.
3. Combine the Liquids and Seasonings:
Next, pour in the broth and add the bay leaf and thyme. If you’re using ham or a ham bone, toss that in as well. This will add extra flavor to your soup!
4. Simmer Away:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 1 to 1½ hours. The soup will thicken as the split peas soften. Don’t forget to stir it occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom!
5. Finish Off the Soup:
After the cooking time, remove the bay leaf and any ham bone if you added it. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can partially blend the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender, but many love it chunky!
6. Season and Serve:
Season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Now, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. A little extra sprinkle of black pepper on top adds a nice touch!
7. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious split pea soup hot, with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Peas?
Yes! While green split peas are traditional, you can substitute yellow split peas if you prefer. They have a slightly different flavor but work well in this recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance the flavor with a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to mimic that smoky taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover split pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
What Can I Serve with Split Pea Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple green salad. You can also enjoy it over rice for a heartier meal!