Classic Hearty Split Pea Soup: An Easy & Comforting Homemade Recipe
Split Pea Soup is more than just a dish; it’s a bowl of warmth, nostalgia, and wholesome goodness. Packed with protein, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and satisfying carbohydrates, this hearty soup is perfectly designed to sustain you through chilly days and long evenings. This classic family recipe isn’t just a side dish; it’s a complete meal in itself, promising to fill you up and leave you feeling truly nourished.
For many, including myself, Split Pea Soup holds a special place, right up there with beloved recipes like my French Onion Soup. It’s a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary.
The Timeless Appeal of Homemade Split Pea Soup
Hello, everyone! If you’re searching for a hearty, classic soup to comfort you through the cooler months, look no further. This Split Pea Soup recipe is a masterpiece of flavor and nutrition. It’s brimming with plant-based protein from the peas, a vibrant medley of vegetables, and ample carbohydrates, making it a truly satisfying, complete meal that warms you from the inside out.
Split Pea Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s often a cherished memory. For many of us, it conjures images of cozy family dinners and the comforting aroma filling the kitchen. I fondly remember my dad making this soup on weekends or at the start of the week. Its magic lay in its ability to seemingly last forever! As the soup cooled and rested, it would naturally thicken, allowing us to simply add a bit more water or broth to restore its perfect consistency, extending its delicious life throughout the week.
This soup is truly loaded with fresh, nutritious vegetables. It features two robust onions, three crisp celery stalks, and three sweet carrots, all contributing to a rich flavor base. And of course, the star of the show: split peas! Technically, peas are the seed of a pod fruit and are considered a legume, offering a fantastic source of dietary fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. This combination ensures every spoonful is not only delicious but also incredibly good for you.
Key Ingredients for the Best Split Pea Soup
Crafting the perfect Split Pea Soup starts with selecting quality ingredients. This recipe prioritizes fresh, wholesome components that contribute to the soup’s robust flavor and satisfying texture. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a comforting and nutritious meal. While the core ingredients remain consistent, always opt for the freshest produce available for the best taste.
- 1 bag (1 pound) dried green split peas (no pre-soaking required for this recipe, though you can if desired)
- 2 quarts water, plus an additional 2-4 cups (for thinning the broth to your preferred consistency)
- 1 1/2 pounds diced ham (I recommend using the leaner butt portion over the shank side for optimal texture and less fat)
- 2 medium onions (about 8 ounces), thinly sliced
- 2 dried whole bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, with extra for serving
- 1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram, optional (but highly recommended for an added layer of aromatic flavor)
- 3 celery stalks, thoroughly chopped
- 3 carrots (approximately 13 ounces), ends removed, peeled, and chopped
- 1 medium potato (about 9 ounces), peeled and diced
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste (adjust carefully, as the ham will contribute significant saltiness to the soup)
Helpful Kitchen Tools for Split Pea Soup
Having the right tools can make your soup-making experience even smoother. Here are a few essentials that will come in handy for preparing this delicious Split Pea Soup:
- Ladle: For easy serving.
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for simmering your soup to perfection.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cutting Board: A stable surface for chopping vegetables and ham.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes prep work quick and safe.
- Pepper Grinder: For freshly ground pepper, which adds a superior flavor.
Effortless Preparation and Unbeatable Value
One of the most appealing aspects of this Split Pea Soup is its simplicity. With minimal hands-on time and a gentle simmer on the stovetop, you can create a truly hearty, filling, and satisfying meal for your entire family. Beyond its deliciousness, this soup is also incredibly budget-friendly, making it a smart choice for economical meal planning. It’s an excellent way to utilize leftover ham from holidays or special occasions, transforming it into a brand new, equally delightful dish.
This recipe is lovingly inspired by my dad’s legendary split pea soup, a dish he would often prepare during the colder months. There’s simply nothing quite like a warm bowl of pea soup to chase away the winter chill and bring a sense of comforting joy to any day. It’s a taste of home and a tradition worth continuing.
Tips and Tricks for the Ultimate Split Pea Soup
While the recipe is straightforward, a few tips can elevate your Split Pea Soup from good to absolutely incredible:
- The “No Soak” Secret: Unlike many other dried beans and legumes, split peas do not strictly require pre-soaking. They break down quite readily during cooking. However, if you’re in a hurry, a quick overnight soak can help them cook even faster and achieve a smoother consistency.
- The Ham Bone Advantage: If you happen to have a ham bone (especially from a holiday ham), don’t discard it! Adding it to the soup pot at the beginning of the simmer will infuse your soup with an unparalleled depth of smoky, savory flavor. Remove it before serving, and optionally, shred any remaining meat back into the soup.
- Achieving Your Preferred Consistency: Split pea soup naturally thickens as it cools, often becoming quite dense. Don’t be afraid to add extra water or broth (chicken or vegetable) throughout the week to reach your desired consistency. This also helps extend the soup’s life!
- Seasoning Smart: Ham can be quite salty, so it’s crucial to taste your soup before adding extra salt. It’s often best to add salt only after the initial simmering, once the ham’s flavor has fully permeated the broth. Freshly ground black pepper and a touch of marjoram (if using) truly enhance the overall profile.
- Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Adaptations: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker or Instant Pot for even more hands-off cooking. For a slow cooker, combine all ingredients (except potatoes and carrots, which should be added for the last 1-2 hours) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, reduce water slightly and use the “Soup” or “Pressure Cook” setting for about 15-20 minutes with a natural release, adding the softer vegetables later if you prefer them less mushy.
- Storage and Freezing: Split Pea Soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. It stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding more liquid as needed.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Pairings
While this Split Pea Soup is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions to create an even more satisfying dining experience:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a loaf of artisan bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
- Cornbread: For a touch of Southern comfort, a slice of homemade cornbread is an excellent companion.
- Simple Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Extra Toppings: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dash of hot sauce, or even a dollop of sour cream can add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Nutritional Benefits of Split Pea Soup
Beyond its incredible taste and comforting qualities, Split Pea Soup is a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s why it’s so good for you:
- High in Protein: Split peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, vital for muscle repair and growth, and keeping you feeling full longer.
- Rich in Fiber: With a significant amount of dietary fiber, this soup promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to satiety.
- Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: The carrots, celery, and onions contribute essential vitamins like Vitamin A (from carrots, crucial for vision) and Vitamin C, along with minerals such as potassium and iron.
- Complex Carbohydrates: The peas and potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy release without the sharp spikes associated with simple sugars.
- Heart-Healthy: The combination of fiber and lean protein, especially when made with a leaner cut of ham or a vegetarian alternative, makes this a heart-friendly meal.
If you give this Split Pea Soup recipe a try, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Your feedback is always appreciated.
More of our Favorite Soup Recipes:
- Ham and Bean Soup
- Cream of Asparagus Soup
- Healthy Vegetable Soup
- Crockpot Creamy Cauliflower Soup
- Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup
- Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Split Pea Soup
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces green split peas (1 bag) (1 lb/454 grams)
- 2 quarts water
- 1 ½ pounds ham diced
- 2 medium yellow onions thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt optional, amount to taste, depending on how salty the ham is
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1/4-1/2 teaspoon- OR pepper medley
- 2 dried bay leaves whole
- ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram leaves
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- 3 medium carrots about 13 oz- ends chopped, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium potato about 9 oz- diced
Before You Begin
- While split peas don’t *require* pre-soaking, you can soak them overnight to potentially speed up the cooking time, as they will break down faster. However, this is not strictly necessary for this recipe to achieve excellent results.
- If your carrots have clean, healthy skins, you can skip peeling them. Just ensure they are thoroughly washed and their ends are trimmed.
- If your ham came with a bone, absolutely add it to the soup! You can include it from the very beginning of the cooking process with the ham, or anytime before serving, to infuse even deeper flavor into the broth. Remember to remove it before serving.
Instructions
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In a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven, combine 2 quarts of water, the dried green split peas, thinly sliced onions, diced ham, bay leaves, and the optional marjoram. Stir all ingredients together gently to ensure they are well combined. Bring the mixture to a full boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. During this time, the peas will begin to soften and break down, creating a creamy base.
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Once the initial 1 1/2 hours of simmering are complete, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves. Now, add the chopped carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped celery to the pot. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the new vegetables into the soup. Bring the soup back to a boil, then reduce the heat once more to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook for another 30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender. Towards the end of this cooking period, if you prefer a thinner soup, you can gradually add 2-4 cups of additional water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, if you add plain water, you might need to adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt, though the ham typically provides ample saltiness to flavor the entire pot.
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Once the peas have fully broken down and the vegetables are perfectly tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt and fresh ground black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy this wonderfully comforting and hearty meal!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.