Pea soup has been a staple in homes around the world for centuries, offering both comfort and nutrition. Its rich flavor, hearty texture, and warmth make it a perfect meal, especially when the weather turns cooler. Split pea soup, in particular, has become a classic due to its versatility, simplicity, and deep, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or serving it as a nutritious lunch, this timeless recipe will not disappoint.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a delicious Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe. We’ll also dive into some insights about the ingredients, helpful tips for perfecting your soup, and creative variations to try. Ready to get your soup on? Let’s begin.
Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe
Split pea soup is hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. With a base of green or yellow split peas, it’s a comforting and nutritious dish that offers a perfect balance of earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. While the classic version relies on a few simple ingredients, it can be dressed up with different seasonings, herbs, and even proteins. Here’s a recipe that’s sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
To make this classic split pea soup, you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients, just a few pantry staples and fresh vegetables. Here’s the full list:
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1 lb dried split peas (green or yellow)
- These are the star of the dish, providing the soup with a velvety, creamy texture when cooked properly.
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1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- For sautéing the vegetables and adding a bit of richness to the soup.
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1 Medium Onion, Chopped
- Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
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2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- A fragrant addition that builds the soup’s flavor profile.
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2 Medium Carrots, Peeled And Chopped
- Offers sweetness and a pop of color.
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2 Celery Stalks, Chopped
- Brings a subtle crunch and aromatic flavor.
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1 Bay Leaf
- A small but essential addition that adds an earthy, herbal flavor to the soup.
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1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh, if preferred)
- A fragrant herb that pairs perfectly with the peas and other vegetables.
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1 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- Enhances the soup’s overall flavor.
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Salt, To Taste
- Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
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6 Cups Vegetable Broth Or Chicken Broth
- The base liquid for your soup. Vegetable broth gives a more plant-based flavor, while chicken broth adds a slight richness.
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1 Smoked Ham Hock Or 2 Cups Diced Ham (optional)
- This is where the soup gets its iconic smoky flavor. It’s optional, but highly recommended if you enjoy the smoky, savory richness.
Cooking Instructions
Making split pea soup is straightforward, but there are a few key steps to ensure your soup turns out perfectly thick and flavorful.
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Prep The Ingredients
- Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or dust.
- Chop the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic. If using ham, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Add the garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
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Add The Peas And Liquids
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, followed by the bay leaf, thyme, and pepper.
- Pour in the vegetable (or chicken) broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
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Simmer And Cook
- Cover the pot with a lid slightly askew, leaving room for steam to escape. Let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally.
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Add The Smoked Ham (optional)
- If you’re using a smoked ham hock, add it to the soup at the beginning of the simmering stage. After cooking, remove the ham hock, shred any meat, and stir it back into the soup.
- If using diced ham, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
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Finish And Serve
- Once the peas have broken down and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or croutons if desired.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in split pea soup plays an important role in achieving its deep, comforting flavor. Let’s take a deeper look at what each component contributes:
- Split peas: These legumes are packed with protein and fiber, making them an excellent addition to any diet. They also break down during cooking, creating that thick, creamy texture that defines a great pea soup.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that enhances the flavor of the vegetables and creates a smooth base for the soup. It’s also packed with antioxidants, which are great for heart health.
- Vegetables (onion, carrots, celery): Known as the “holy trinity” in many soup recipes, these vegetables form the foundation of the soup’s flavor. Onions provide sweetness, carrots bring earthiness, and celery adds that fresh, aromatic quality.
- Bay leaf and thyme: These herbs elevate the flavor of the broth, infusing it with a subtle earthy depth. Bay leaf adds a warm, slightly spicy undertone, while thyme has a fragrant, slightly minty flavor.
- Smoked ham or ham hock: If you opt for ham, it’s the key to adding richness and that quintessential smoky flavor. The fat in the ham also helps to thicken the soup and contribute to its velvety texture.
Expert Tips
- For extra creaminess: Use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup, leaving the rest chunky for texture. This will give the soup a creamier consistency without losing the hearty appeal.
- Don’t skip the simmering time: Allow the soup to cook for the full time, or even a little longer. The longer you simmer, the more the flavors develop and the peas break down, creating a smoother, richer soup.
- Make it ahead: Split pea soup often tastes better the next day! It allows the flavors to meld together, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for later.
- Adjust the thickness: If the soup gets too thick after sitting, simply add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Split pea soup tends to thicken as it cools, so be ready to adjust when reheating.
Recipe Variations
While the classic split pea soup recipe is a classic for a reason, there are a few creative variations you can try to suit your personal tastes or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian split pea soup: Omit the ham entirely and opt for vegetable broth to make a fully vegetarian version. You can still achieve a rich flavor by adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for that smoky depth.
- Spicy split pea soup: For a kick of heat, add some chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes during the cooking process. Pair with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to balance the heat.
- Indian-inspired split pea soup: Spice things up with garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness, while cilantro leaves provide a fresh, herby finish.
- Lentil and split pea combo: For a slightly different texture and added variety, replace half of the split peas with red lentils. This will give your soup a softer, silkier finish.
Final Words
Split pea soup is a classic comfort food that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you keep it simple with just a few core ingredients or customize it with your own creative twist, this soup is perfect for all occasions. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal, freezes well, and can easily be adapted to suit various dietary preferences.