Split pea soup is a thick, hearty soup that has been enjoyed for centuries, tracing back to European roots, where it became a favorite comfort food. Made with dried green or yellow split peas, which break down as they cook, this soup becomes wonderfully creamy and flavorful, making it a perfect cold-weather staple.

Often flavored with smoked ham, hearty vegetables, and herbs, split pea soup is rich in protein and fiber, making it both nutritious and filling. This classic recipe brings out the earthy flavor of split peas, creating a cozy and satisfying meal perfect for any time of year.

Ingredients: This recipe serves about 6-8 people.

For the Soup:

• 1 lb (450g) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 smoked ham hock (optional, for added flavor) or 1 cup diced ham
• 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Crusty bread, for serving

How to Make Split Pea Soup

Prepare the Split Peas:

Rinse the dried split peas thoroughly under cold water, picking out any debris or discolored peas.

Set the rinsed peas aside. There is no need to soak split peas, as they break down easily during cooking.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent.

Add the minced garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their flavors.

Add the Peas and Broth:

Add the rinsed split peas to the pot with the vegetables, stirring to combine.

Pour in the broth or water, ensuring there’s enough liquid to cover the peas by about an inch. Stir well.

Flavor with Herbs and Ham:

Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, and the smoked ham hock (if using) to the pot. The ham hock will add a rich, smoky flavor to the soup as it cooks.

If using diced ham instead of a ham hock, add it now to let the flavors develop as the soup simmers.

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, keeping in mind that you can adjust seasoning later.

Simmer the Soup:

Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until the peas have softened and begun to break down.

Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot. As the peas cook, they’ll naturally thicken the soup.

Remove the Ham Hock and Blend (Optional):

If you used a ham hock, remove it from the pot once the soup has cooked. Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the soup, discarding the bone.

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy, or blend a portion of it in a blender and return it to the pot. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step.

Final Seasoning and Serve:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

Ladle the split pea soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot with a slice of crusty bread.

Chef’s Note:

Pea Varieties: Green and yellow split peas can be used interchangeably in this recipe, although green peas have a slightly earthier flavor, while yellow peas tend to be milder.

Ham Substitute: If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply skip the ham and use vegetable broth. A dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika can add a smoky depth without meat.

Soup Consistency: For a thicker soup, reduce the liquid by about 1 cup, or simmer the soup longer to allow more evaporation. For a thinner consistency, add a bit more broth or water during cooking.

Freezing: Split pea soup freezes beautifully! Simply cool the soup completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Protein: 14-16g (depending on ham amount)
• Fat: 6-8g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Fiber: 12-15g
• Sodium: ~600 mg (depending on broth and ham used)

Split pea soup is a nutritious powerhouse, high in protein and dietary fiber, which help with satiety and support digestive health. Peas are rich in folate, iron, and other B vitamins, making this soup a great way to meet essential nutrient needs while enjoying a comforting meal.

The addition of carrots, celery, and onions brings extra vitamins and minerals, rounding out this classic dish as a wholesome choice for any day of the week.

Enjoy your homemade split pea soup—it’s the perfect blend of savory, smoky, and hearty flavors!

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