The Best Split Pea Soup Recipe

History of Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup has been enjoyed for centuries, with its origins traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. It became a staple in Northern Europe and the United States, where it was made popular as an economical and nourishing dish. In America, it’s often associated with hearty meals made from leftover ham bones and dried peas, creating a rich, smoky flavor.

Why Split Pea Soup?

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber from split peas.
• Economical: Made with affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Versatile: Can be made with or without meat.
• Great for Meal Prep: Freezes well and reheats beautifully.

What is Split Pea Soup Made of?

This soup is made with:

• Split Peas: Dried green or yellow split peas as the base.
• Vegetables: Onion, carrots, celery, and sometimes potatoes for texture.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth as the liquid base.
• Optional Ham or Bacon: Adds smoky, savory depth to the soup.

What to Have with Split Pea Soup

Serve this dish with:

• Crusty Bread: Sourdough, baguette, or rye bread for dipping.
• Crackers: Saltine crackers or oyster crackers.
• Salad: A fresh green salad or Caesar salad balances the richness.
• Cheese: Serve with a sharp cheddar cheese on the side.

Is Split Pea Soup Healthy?

Yes! Split peas are high in protein, fiber, and nutrients like iron and folate. To make it even healthier, skip the ham or use turkey bacon, and opt for low-sodium broth. Add extra vegetables for more vitamins and minerals.

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Blender or immersion blender (optional for a smooth texture)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 lb (2 cups) dried split peas (rinsed and sorted)
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional: 1 ham bone or 1 cup diced cooked ham
• Optional garnish: Chopped parsley or croutons

Directions:

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Peas and Liquid

• Add the split peas, broth, water, bay leaf, and dried thyme.
• If using a ham bone or diced ham, add it to the pot now. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
• Cover and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the soup thickens.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning

• Remove the ham bone (if used) and discard the bay leaf.
• Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

• For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup. Leave some chunks for texture if desired.

Step 6: Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or croutons. Serve warm with bread or crackers.

Tips

• Rinse the Peas: Always rinse and sort split peas to remove any debris.
• Ham Bone Alternative: If you don’t have a ham bone, use smoked turkey or bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Make It Vegetarian: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Thin or Thicken: Add water if the soup is too thick, or simmer longer to thicken.
• Freeze It: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.

Conclusion

This Best Split Pea Soup Recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. With its creamy texture and smoky or vegetarian options, it’s versatile enough to please everyone. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying dish that’s easy to make and great for leftovers.

The Best Split Pea Soup Recipe

getcakerecipes

Split Pea Soup is a hearty, comforting classic that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Made with dried split peas, vegetables, and optionally ham or a vegetarian twist, it’s full of flavor and nutrition. This recipe is easy to prepare and cooks into a creamy, delicious soup that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying, wholesome meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 lb (2 cups) dried split peas (rinsed and sorted)
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional: 1 ham bone or 1 cup diced cooked ham
• Optional garnish: Chopped parsley or croutons

• Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

• Add the split peas, broth, water, bay leaf, and dried thyme.

• If using a ham bone or diced ham, add it to the pot now. Stir to combine.

• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

• Cover and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the soup thickens.

• Remove the ham bone (if used) and discard the bay leaf.

• Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

• For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup. Leave some chunks for texture if desired.

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or croutons. Serve warm with bread or crackers.

Keyword Vegan Smoky Split Pea Soup