There are few dishes as comforting and satisfying as a thick, smoky bowl of classic split pea soup. This recipe transforms a humble bag of dried peas into a rich, flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s the perfect budget-friendly dinner for a chilly evening, and the leftovers are even better the next day. Forget thin, bland soups; this guide will show you how to achieve a perfectly creamy texture and deep, savory flavor every single time. Whether you’re using a leftover ham bone or starting from scratch, get ready to master this timeless classic.
This split pea soup is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl full of nostalgia and comfort. It’s surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal active cooking time, letting the stovetop do most of the work. Let’s dive into how to create the best split pea soup you’ve ever had.
Simple, wholesome ingredients are the secret to the best split pea soup.
Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup Recipe
Incredibly Flavorful: A meaty ham bone, savory vegetables, and simple seasonings create a soup with incredible depth of flavor.
Thick and Hearty: The split peas break down as they cook, naturally creating a thick, creamy consistency that’s incredibly satisfying.
Budget-Friendly: Dried peas and a leftover ham bone make this a very economical yet filling meal for the whole family.
Simple to Make: With just a few simple steps of chopping and simmering, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels. For another easy and comforting meal, try this delicious cabbage roll soup.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Split Pea Soup
The magic of this soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Soup Base
Dried Green Split Peas: The star of the show! No need to soak them beforehand, just a good rinse is all they need.
Meaty Ham Bone or Ham Hocks: This is the secret to a rich, smoky, and savory broth. If you don’t have a leftover bone, ham hocks are a fantastic substitute.
Yellow Onion, Carrots, and Celery: The classic mirepoix. This trio builds the aromatic foundation of the soup.
Garlic: Adds a layer of pungent depth that complements the smokiness of the ham.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Using broth instead of water adds a significant amount of flavor.
Seasonings: Bay leaves, dried thyme, black pepper, and a little salt are all you need to perfectly season this soup.
Optional Add-ins and Variations
Potatoes: For an even heartier soup, add one or two peeled and diced potatoes along with the other vegetables.
Smoked Paprika: A pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor, especially if your ham isn’t very smoky.
Liquid Smoke: If you’re making a vegetarian version, a few drops of liquid smoke can replicate that classic ham flavor.
The magic happens as the ingredients simmer and the flavors meld together.
How to Make Split Pea Soup Step-by-Step
Making this soup is a simple process of simmering ingredients until they meld into a beautiful, thick stew. Follow these steps for guaranteed success.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
First, rinse the dried split peas under cold water and pick out any debris. Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic. If you’re using leftover ham from the bone, chop it into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Add the rinsed split peas, ham bone (or hocks), chicken broth, and water to the pot. Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. The soup needs to simmer for at least 60 to 90 minutes, or until the peas are completely tender and starting to break down. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the peas are tender, carefully remove the ham bone or hocks from the pot. Let them cool slightly, then pull the meat off the bone, shredding or dicing it. Discard the bone and any excess fat. Stir the ham meat back into the soup. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Taste the soup and add salt as needed—ham can be salty, so it’s important to taste first. Serve your homemade split pea soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or croutons.
Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup
Want to elevate your soup from good to great? Here are a few expert tips.
Don’t Soak the Peas: Modern split peas are processed in a way that makes soaking unnecessary. It can sometimes lead to a mushy texture. A simple rinse is sufficient.
Simmer Low and Slow: The key to a creamy texture is a long, gentle simmer. This allows the peas to break down naturally without becoming scorched.
Taste Before You Salt: Ham bones and ham hocks release a lot of salt as they cook. Always taste the soup at the end of cooking before adding any extra salt.
For a Creamier Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend about one-third of the soup. This creates a creamy base while still leaving plenty of texture.
Delicious Split Pea Soup Variations
Vegetarian Split Pea Soup
To make a delicious vegetarian version, simply omit the ham. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To add a smoky flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke. For more hearty vegetarian options, check out this vegetarian lentil soup recipe.
Crockpot Split Pea Soup
This recipe is easily adapted for the slow cooker. Simply sauté the aromatics as directed, then add all ingredients to your crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the peas are tender. Remove the ham bone, add the meat back in, and serve. It’s a perfect “set it and forget it” meal, much like this cozy crockpot cheeseburger soup.
How to Store and Freeze
Split pea soup stores wonderfully, and its flavor often deepens overnight.
To Store: Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
To Reheat: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The soup will thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
To Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What to Serve with Split Pea Soup
A hearty bowl of split pea soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few classic sides. A slice of crusty bread or some 30-minute dinner rolls are perfect for dipping. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can also provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich soup.
No, you do not need to soak split peas before cooking them. Modern split peas are processed in a way that allows them to cook and soften without pre-soaking. Simply rinse them well before adding them to the pot.
Split pea soup naturally thickens as the peas break down during cooking. For an even thicker soup, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or you can use an immersion blender to puree a small portion of the soup, which creates a creamier, thicker base.
Yes, absolutely. You can substitute the ham bone with two smoked ham hocks, or use diced ham, bacon, or pancetta. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and use vegetable broth, adding a little smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
If your soup isn’t thickening, it likely needs more time to simmer. The peas need to be cooked long enough to break down completely. Ensure you’re cooking it at a steady, gentle simmer for at least 60-90 minutes. Older split peas can sometimes take longer to soften.
Stored properly in an airtight container, split pea soup will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. The flavors often become even better the next day!
The Perfect Comfort Food
This split pea soup recipe is a true classic for a reason. It’s a simple, hearty, and deeply flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. We hope you love making and sharing this dish as much as we do. If you try it, let us know what you think in the comments below and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade split pea soup on a chilly day!
FL Recipes
Split Pea Soup: The Ultimate Recipe for a Hearty, Comforting Meal
This classic split pea soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Made with a smoky ham bone, tender vegetables, and simple seasonings, it's a thick, hearty, and incredibly flavorful meal that's both easy and budget-friendly.
Rinse the dried split peas under cold water. Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed split peas, ham bone (or hocks), chicken broth, and water to the pot. Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are very tender.
Carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. Pull the meat from the bone, shred or dice it, and discard the bone. Stir the ham meat back into the soup.
Taste the soup and season with salt as needed. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcalProtein: 25gFat: 8gFiber: 18g
Notes
The soup will thicken significantly as it cools. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it to your desired consistency. For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend it before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
