Hearty Split Pea Soup: A Year-Round Comfort in a Bowl
Growing up in a family where hearty soups were a staple, nothing quite signaled comfort like my grandmother’s Split Pea Soup simmering on the stove. Whether it was a frosty winter evening or a breezy summer night, Split Pea Soup always made its way to our table. It was nourishing, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Inspired by her classic American recipe, I’ve refined this Split Pea Soup to be not only comforting but also light enough to enjoy throughout the year.
Let’s dive into this wholesome, protein-rich, and fiber-packed Split Pea Soup, perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices.
Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup
Split Pea Soup is incredibly versatile and ideal for any time of the year. It uses pantry staples and delivers a rich, savory flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking for your family, or just craving a cozy bowl, this Split Pea Soup will always be a comforting choice.
Ingredients for Split Pea Soup (Serves 6)
To make this nourishing Split Pea Soup, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Optional:
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
How to Make Split Pea Soup
- Sauté the Vegetables
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 7 minutes. - Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Cook for another minute to enhance the flavors. - Add Split Peas and Broth
Add the rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaf, and ham hock if using. Stir well. - Simmer the Soup
Bring the Split Pea Soup to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 60 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. - Adjust Texture
Once the split peas are soft, you can use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup. For a chunky texture, skip the blending step. Remove the bay leaf and ham hock if included. - Taste and Serve
Add salt to taste. Serve your Split Pea Soup hot, with crusty bread or a light salad.
Tips for the Perfect Split Pea Soup
- Rinse the split peas thoroughly to remove any debris.
- To make it vegan, omit the ham and use vegetable broth.
- For added creaminess, blend half the soup and leave the rest chunky.
- Add potatoes or barley for a heartier variation of Split Pea Soup.
Enjoying Split Pea Soup in Summer
Although often seen as a cold-weather comfort food, Split Pea Soup can be a refreshing summer meal. Serve it with lemon zest, fresh herbs, or alongside a green salad to lighten the experience.
Nutritional Benefits
Split Pea Soup offers about 280 calories per serving, with 15 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber. It’s filling without being heavy and a great source of plant-based nutrients.
Storing and Reheating Split Pea Soup
Store any leftover Split Pea Soup in the fridge for up to five days. It also freezes well for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Creative Variations of Split Pea Soup
- Curried Split Pea Soup
Add curry powder and cumin for a bold twist. - Split Pea Soup with Barley
A handful of barley adds chew and extra fiber. - Smoky Vegan Split Pea Soup
Skip the ham, but add smoked paprika and a few drops of liquid smoke.
Serving Suggestions
Split Pea Soup pairs perfectly with crusty sourdough, garlic toast, or a side of roasted vegetables. Add croutons or fresh parsley for an elevated presentation.
Split Pea Soup: A Staple with a Story
Every recipe has a story, and Split Pea Soup is no exception. Historically, this humble soup has been served across generations in American households. Its roots can be traced back to Colonial times when dried legumes were essential pantry items due to their long shelf life and nutritional value.
In the modern kitchen, Split Pea Soup has retained its appeal thanks to its affordability, high protein content, and hearty flavor. Whether you grew up eating it on snowy days or you’re discovering it for the first time, Split Pea Soup is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a go-to favorite.
What Makes Split Pea Soup So Nutritious?
One of the key benefits of Split Pea Soup is its nutritional profile. Dried split peas are packed with fiber and plant-based protein, making this soup incredibly satisfying. A one-cup serving of cooked split peas contains approximately:
- 16 grams of protein
- 16 grams of dietary fiber
- 40% of your daily iron needs
- A good source of magnesium, folate, and potassium
Split Pea Soup is ideal for those looking to maintain heart health, regulate digestion, or manage blood sugar. It is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free and vegan.
Making Split Pea Soup Your Own
One of the best things about Split Pea Soup is its versatility. While the base of onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and split peas creates a deeply flavorful profile, there are countless ways to customize the soup based on your preferences.
Here are some flavor variations and additions:
Herb Boost
Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary toward the end of cooking for an herbal lift. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens the soup beautifully.
Read more: https://chefnip.com/crockpot-white-chicken-lasagna-soup/
Spicy Version
Craving some heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. A chopped jalapeño sautéed with the onions will also add kick.
Creamy Texture
For an ultra-smooth version, blend the soup fully with an immersion blender. You can also stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream for extra richness if you’re not keeping it vegan.
Hearty Protein
If you’re not vegan, adding leftover shredded chicken or turkey can give the soup extra body. Ham, of course, is traditional. Even plant-based sausages or lentils make great protein partners for Split Pea Soup.
Cooking Tips and Techniques
To ensure your Split Pea Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:
Cookware
A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal for cooking Split Pea Soup, as it distributes heat evenly and prevents burning on the bottom.
Simmering
Keep the soup at a gentle simmer. Boiling it too vigorously can cause the split peas to stick or break down unevenly.
Thickness
Split Pea Soup thickens significantly as it cools. If the consistency becomes too thick after storing, simply stir in some water or broth when reheating.
Blending
If using a blender to puree the soup, make sure it has cooled slightly to avoid hot splatters. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
Making Split Pea Soup in an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
Instant Pot Method
- Use the sauté function to cook the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Add the remaining ingredients.
- Set to high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
Slow Cooker Method
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.
- Blend or mash to your desired consistency.
Both methods make preparing Split Pea Soup even more convenient for busy families and weeknight dinners.
Split Pea Soup for Entertaining
Split Pea Soup is not just for casual meals. It can be elegantly served in small bowls or mugs as a starter at dinner parties, especially during the colder months. Top each portion with a swirl of sour cream or crème fraîche, some fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of cracked pepper.
If serving Split Pea Soup at a casual gathering, pair it with mini grilled cheese sandwiches or cornbread muffins. Guests will love the warm, homey feel of the meal.
Seasonal Pairings for Split Pea Soup
Depending on the time of year, you can pair Split Pea Soup with different seasonal side dishes:
Summer Pairings
- Cucumber and tomato salad with a vinaigrette
- Chilled white wine or iced herbal tea
- Fresh fruit platter for dessert
Winter Pairings
- Roasted root vegetables
- Garlic knots or a seeded bread loaf
- Warm apple crumble for dessert
Split Pea Soup truly adapts to the flavors and rhythms of each season.
How to Freeze and Reheat Split Pea Soup
Split Pea Soup is one of the best soups to freeze. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Cool the soup completely before freezing.
- Portion it into airtight freezer-safe containers or silicone freezer cubes.
- Label with the date. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave on a low setting. Heat gently in a saucepan, adding broth or water as needed to loosen the texture.
Sustainable Cooking with Split Pea Soup
Cooking Split Pea Soup is also a sustainable choice. Split peas are a low-impact crop, and they do not require soaking, saving water and time. You can also use vegetable scraps like carrot tops, onion skins, and celery ends to make your own broth, reducing food waste.
By making this dish part of your regular menu rotation, you contribute to eco-conscious home cooking while enjoying nourishing meals.
What Others Say About Split Pea Soup
Split Pea Soup is a beloved recipe in the culinary community. Here are a few quick quotes from home cooks:
- “I’ve been making Split Pea Soup for years and never get tired of it. It’s my ultimate comfort food.”
- “The best thing about Split Pea Soup is how filling it is without being heavy. I can have a bowl for lunch and feel full all afternoon.”
- “Even my kids love this soup, which is saying a lot. I blend it smooth and add a bit of parmesan on top.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What split peas do you use for pea and ham soup?
Most traditional pea and ham soups use dried green split peas. They have a mild earthy flavor and break down easily into a creamy texture when simmered. Yellow split peas can also be used, but they give a slightly sweeter and less earthy flavor.
What is the secret ingredient in pea and ham soup?
A common secret ingredient is a touch of smoked paprika or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end. Smoked paprika deepens the smoky ham flavor, while vinegar brightens the soup and balances the richness.
Can you use split peas in soup?
Yes, split peas are one of the best legumes for soup. They cook down into a smooth and hearty consistency, which makes them perfect for thick, comforting soups like pea and ham soup.
Do split peas need to be soaked before cooking?
Split peas do not require soaking. Unlike whole dried peas or beans, split peas are already peeled and split, which allows them to soften and cook more quickly.
How do you soften split peas for soup?
Simmer split peas gently in broth or water for about 45 to 60 minutes until they break down. If they are older or have been stored for a long time, they may take longer. Keeping the heat low and stirring occasionally helps them soften evenly without sticking.
Are green or yellow split peas better for soup?
Both work well, but green split peas are more common for pea and ham soup. They give an earthy flavor and a rich green color. Yellow split peas have a slightly sweeter flavor and produce a golden-colored soup. The choice depends on your taste preference.
What are some common mistakes when making pea soup?
- Cooking on high heat, which can cause peas to stick and burn.
- Not stirring often enough.
- Using too little liquid, leading to overly thick or clumpy soup.
- Skipping the ham bone or smoked meat, which gives essential flavor.
- Adding salt too early, which can toughen the peas.
How long to boil split peas for soup?
Split peas usually take 45 to 60 minutes of gentle simmering. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if the soup becomes too thick.
How to make old fashioned pea and ham soup?
To make it the classic way, simmer a smoked ham hock or meaty ham bone with split peas, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaves. Cook slowly until the peas are tender and the ham meat falls off the bone. Shred the meat, return it to the pot, and season with pepper and fresh herbs. The result is a rich, hearty, and traditional soup.
