French Split Pea Soup Recipe

French Split Pea Soup, or Soupe aux Pois Cassés, is a timeless, comforting dish that’s both nutritious and full of flavor. Rooted deeply in French culinary traditions, this soup is perfect for cozy, chilly days when you crave something hearty and satisfying. With its smooth, velvety texture and savory depth, French Split Pea Soup has a way of soothing the soul while offering a rich, complex taste that never feels too heavy.

The foundation of this soup is simple: split peas, aromatics, and stock. But when combined, these ingredients transform into a dish that feels sophisticated and rustic at the same time. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal on a cold evening or preparing a nourishing dish for a family gathering, French Split Pea Soup is versatile enough to impress yet easy enough for anyone to make at home.

French Split Pea Soup Recipe

The beauty of French Split Pea Soup lies in its balance between simplicity and complexity. The peas themselves are hearty and absorb the flavors around them beautifully. The smokiness of the ham or bacon, the sweetness of carrots and onions, and the aromatic herbs all meld together to create a deeply comforting bowl of soup.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb dried split peas – The heart of this soup. Split peas are full of fiber, protein, and nutrients, and they break down into a creamy texture when cooked.
• 1 ham hock or 1 ½ cups ham, diced – For that rich, savory depth. If you’re using a ham hock, it’ll infuse the soup with smoky goodness.
• 1 onion, finely chopped – Adds an aromatic base to the soup. It sweetens as it cooks and balances the savory flavors.
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced – A bit of natural sweetness and color. They also provide a wonderful texture.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped – Adds freshness and a slight peppery note to the soup.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic elevates the soup, giving it an earthy undertone that plays beautifully with the other ingredients.
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth – The liquid base of the soup. Chicken broth will give a richer flavor, but vegetable broth works for a lighter option.
• 1 bay leaf – The subtle herbal note that enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 tsp dried thyme – A quintessential herb in French cooking that brings warmth and earthiness to the dish.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – To season and balance the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing the vegetables at the start.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep The Ingredients

   • Rinse the split peas thoroughly in cold water to remove any dust or debris.
   • Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces, or if using a ham hock, set it aside.
   • Chop the vegetables: onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add The Broth And Peas

   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the rinsed split peas. Stir everything together to combine.
   • If you’re using a ham hock, add it to the pot now, as it will impart a wonderful smoky flavor. If you’re using diced ham, add it now.

4. Season The Soup

   • Add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring the soup to a simmer.

5. Simmer To Perfection

   • Let the soup simmer for about 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the split peas will soften and break down, thickening the soup and creating that smooth, velvety texture. If you’re using a ham hock, remove it after about 60 minutes, shred any remaining meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bones and skin.

6. Blend (Optional)

   • For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup to your desired consistency. You can blend the entire soup for a creamier texture or leave some chunks for added texture.

7. Adjust Seasoning

   • Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, and thyme as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

8. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. For an added touch, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.

Ingredient Insights

Split Peas

Split peas are more than just the base of the soup-they’re an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and magnesium. They’re also incredibly affordable, making them a great choice for budget-conscious meals. The split peas break down easily during cooking, creating the thick, creamy texture that makes French Split Pea Soup so comforting.

Ham

The inclusion of ham, whether from a hock or diced, brings a smoky richness to the soup. Ham hocks are especially popular because they release collagen into the broth as they simmer, making the soup not only flavorful but also thick and satisfying. If you’re trying to reduce the amount of meat, you can adjust the quantity or even leave it out entirely, though you may want to add a bit more seasoning to compensate for the lack of that smoky depth.

Herbs

Thyme is the star herb in this soup. Its earthiness pairs wonderfully with the split peas and ham, enhancing the savory flavors without overpowering them. Bay leaves are also used to provide a subtle, slightly floral note that infuses the broth.

Broth

Using a high-quality broth (whether chicken or vegetable) is crucial to giving this soup a rich and complex flavor. Homemade stock will elevate the dish, but store-bought versions can work in a pinch.

Expert Tips

• Soak the Split Peas: Soaking the peas overnight is optional but can reduce cooking time. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, but be prepared for the soup to take a bit longer to cook.
• Smoke Flavor: For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke. Just be careful-this can easily overwhelm the dish if overdone.
• Veggie Variations: You can sneak in other vegetables for added nutrition. Kale or spinach, added in the final stages of cooking, will boost the soup’s green factor without changing the flavor profile too much.
• Vegetarian Version: If you’re looking to make this vegetarian, simply omit the ham and use a vegetable broth. You can also add smoked tofu or tempeh to bring in that savory, smoky flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño to the base of the soup.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage to give the soup a new twist. Fresh herbs can be added at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness.
• Creamy Variation: Blend the soup until smooth and then stir in a dollop of heavy cream or coconut milk for an extra creamy texture and flavor.
• Add Potatoes: Some versions of split pea soup include diced potatoes, which add a bit more body and substance to the soup. They also blend nicely into the texture when cooking.

Final Words

French Split Pea Soup is more than just a meal-it’s a tradition. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of a warm kitchen, the sound of rain tapping on the windows, and the smell of something delicious simmering away on the stove. With its hearty peas, smoky ham, and fragrant herbs, it’s the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re making it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, this soup is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. It’s the kind of meal that improves with time, making it perfect for leftovers, and it’s as much about the process as it is about the end result.