Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe

Introduction

Easy Split Pea Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cozy meals. Made with simple ingredients like split peas, ham, and fresh vegetables, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying. It’s an ideal recipe to prepare in advance and enjoy any time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried split peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 cup diced carrots (2-3 carrots)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (2-4 garlic cloves)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 8 ounces ham, diced (or a meaty ham bone)
• 6 cups chicken broth (use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the split peas by pouring them into a shallow bowl or onto a plate, picking through to remove any stones or debris. Then rinse thoroughly in a strainer under cold running water.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and diced ham. Cook while stirring for 1 more minute to release the aromas.
4. Step 4: Add the chicken broth, rinsed split peas, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover.
5. Step 5: Let the soup simmer gently for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the split peas are soft and the soup has thickened to your liking.
6. Step 6: Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and ground black pepper to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use a meaty ham bone instead of diced ham and simmer it with the peas.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup before serving.
• Vegetarian? Use vegetable broth and skip the ham for a delicious meat-free version.
• Add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover split pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of dried split peas?

Dried split peas are recommended because they break down easily and thicken the soup. Fresh peas have a different texture and won’t create the same creamy consistency.

Why is my split pea soup too thick or too thin?

If the soup is too thick, add extra broth or water while reheating to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue simmering uncovered to reduce the liquid, or blend part of the soup to thicken it naturally.

Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 82 reviews

This easy split pea soup is a hearty and comforting dish made with dried split peas, ham, and a medley of vegetables simmered to perfection. Featuring simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a filling meal perfect for chilly days, offering rich flavors from slow simmered peas and savory ham in a flavorful broth.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Ingredients

• 1 pound dried split peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 cup diced carrots (2–3 carrots)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (2–4 garlic cloves)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 8 ounces ham, diced (or a meaty ham bone as an option)
• 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the split peas: Pour the split peas into a shallow bowl or plate, carefully pick through to remove any stones or debris, then rinse well under cold water using a strainer.
2. Sauté vegetables and ham: Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and diced ham, cooking and stirring for another minute to release flavors.
3. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, add the rinsed split peas and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook gently for about 1 1/2 hours until the peas are very soft and the soup has thickened to your liking.
4. Final season and serve: Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting split pea soup.

Notes

• Using a meaty ham bone instead of diced ham intensifies the flavor; add the bone during simmering and remove before serving.
• The thickness of the soup can be adjusted by adding more broth if it gets too thick or by cooking longer to reduce.
• Vegetarian option: substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit ham.

Keywords: split pea soup, easy soup recipe, ham soup, comfort food, hearty soup, healthy soup