Split Pea Soup
Split Pea Soup is a comforting dish that warms the heart and soul. This thick, creamy soup combines the earthy flavor of split peas with hearty vegetables and savory ham, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Whether you’re using leftovers or starting fresh, this recipe highlights the unique qualities of split pea soup, ensuring it will quickly become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and ham creates a hearty taste that delights every palate.
- Nutrient-Packed: With plenty of veggies and protein from the ham, this soup is both filling and healthy.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this dish without hassle.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with hearty buttered bread for a complete meal.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup freezes well, allowing you to enjoy leftovers at any time.
Tools and Preparation
To make Split Pea Soup efficiently, having the right tools on hand is crucial. These tools will help you create this delicious soup with ease.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heat distribution while cooking, preventing food from sticking or burning.
- Blender: Allows you to blend part of the soup for a creamy texture without lumps.
Ingredients
Split Pea Soup is thick, creamy, and packed with veggies, split peas, and tender ham—humble-looking but bursting with flavor!
For the Base
- 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
For Seasoning
- 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
For the Soup
- 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
For Serving
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Hearty buttered bread (for serving)
How to Make Split Pea Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onion turns golden brown, about 5–8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ground cumin, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for another minute before adding rinsed split peas.
Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients
Once you’ve mixed in the split peas thoroughly, incorporate the ham bone or hocks along with bay leaves and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil. After reaching a boil, reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 60–90 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check frequently until the peas are soft and the soup reaches your desired thickness.
Step 3: Shred Ham & Blend Soup
When ready to serve, remove the ham bone from the pot. Shred off any meat left on the bone before discarding it along with any fat. Return shredded ham back into the soup—aim for about 2 cups of meat. Remove bay leaves. For a smoother texture, scoop out 2 cups of soup into a blender until completely smooth before returning it back into the pot. Adjust seasoning as needed by tasting.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle hot Split Pea Soup into bowls. Optionally garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Pair each bowl with hearty buttered bread for dipping. Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness!
How to Serve Split Pea Soup
Split Pea Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a hearty meal or a light appetizer, there are numerous serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Hearty Buttered Bread: Serve warm, buttered slices of crusty bread alongside the soup for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: The flavor of garlic bread complements the richness of the soup perfectly.
As a Meal
- Add Extra Ham: For a protein boost, top your bowl with additional chopped ham for added flavor and texture.
- Topped with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley enhances the taste and adds a pop of color.
Accompanied by Salads
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.
- Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens add crunch and freshness to the meal.
With Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds saltiness and depth.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar cheese can be added for an extra layer of richness.
How to Perfect Split Pea Soup
To ensure your Split Pea Soup turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Split Peas: Fresh peas cook more evenly and create a smoother texture compared to older peas.
- Cook Low and Slow: Simmering on low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully and ensures tender peas.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add extra broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend part of the soup as instructed in the recipe.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving for optimal flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Split Pea Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Split Pea Soup enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread offers a flavorful complement to the creamy soup.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette provides a light balance to the rich flavors.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully, adding a different texture that contrasts nicely with the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring added nutrition and color to your table.
- Cheese Toasts: Melty cheese on toast makes for a satisfying addition that blends well with the soup’s flavors.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can serve as a heartier side, filled with rice or quinoa for extra substance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Split Pea Soup, even small oversights can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Using old split peas: Old split peas may not soften during cooking. Always use fresh split peas for a creamy texture.
- Skipping the aromatics: Neglecting onions, garlic, or spices can lead to bland soup. Make sure to sauté these ingredients for enhanced flavor.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Underseasoning will leave your soup flat. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
- Rushing the cooking time: Cooking for less than recommended time can result in crunchy peas. Be patient and allow enough time for simmering.
- Ignoring blending options: Skipping the blending step means missing out on a creamy texture. Blend part of the soup for a thicker consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Split Pea Soup lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Split Pea Soup
- Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Split Pea Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in intervals, stirring frequently until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring to prevent sticking, until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common inquiries about making Split Pea Soup:
What ingredients do I need for Split Pea Soup?
You will need split peas, vegetables like carrots and celery, aromatics such as garlic and onion, and a ham bone or hocks for flavor.
Can I make Split Pea Soup vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead.
How do I thicken my Split Pea Soup?
If your soup is too thin, blend a portion of it to create a creamier texture or let it simmer longer to reduce liquid.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Dried herbs work well in Split Pea Soup. Just remember that they are more concentrated than fresh, so adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Split Pea Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize it with different spices or veggies according to your taste!
Split Pea Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Warm your soul with this comforting Split Pea Soup, a rich and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. This easy recipe features creamy split peas paired with savory ham and colorful vegetables, creating a delightful harmony of flavors in every spoonful. Ideal for using up leftovers or preparing a fresh batch, this soup is not only nutritious but also freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups finely diced onion
- 1 cup finely diced carrot
- 1 cup finely diced celery
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1–1/2 cups green split peas (rinsed)
- 2 small bay leaves
- 1 meaty ham bone
- 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, salt, and pepper; sauté until softened (about 5–8 minutes). Stir in garlic and spices; cook for an additional minute.
- Add rinsed split peas, ham bone, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 60–90 minutes until peas are soft.
- Remove ham bone; shred any meat back into the soup. Blend part of the soup if desired for creaminess.
- Serve hot with optional garnishes like fresh thyme and crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
