Homemade Split Pea Soup Recipe

Homemade split pea soup is one of those timeless comfort foods that brings a sense of warmth and satisfaction with each spoonful. Its rich, velvety texture, hearty taste, and nourishing qualities make it perfect for any chilly day. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a simple bowl of soup or impress guests with your culinary skills, split pea soup is an ideal choice. This soup is not only delicious but also a nutritious powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Making split pea soup from scratch is far easier than you might think, and the result is far superior to anything you’ll find in a can. The beauty of homemade soup lies in its ability to be tailored to your own tastes, whether that means adding in extra vegetables, experimenting with herbs and spices, or adjusting the seasoning to create the perfect flavor profile.

If you’ve never made split pea soup at home, don’t worry! I’m here to walk you through every step, providing clear instructions, useful tips, and variations so you can create a soup that’s uniquely your own. Let’s dive into it!

Homemade Split Pea Soup Recipe

Here’s a simple yet robust recipe for homemade split pea soup that you can make in just under two hours. It’s perfect for meal prepping for the week or freezing for later use.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups dried split peas: The heart and soul of this soup. Green or yellow peas work well, though green peas tend to hold their shape a bit better.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Onion is a must for that savory base flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a layer of depth and complexity to the soup.
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Sweet carrots contrast nicely with the earthiness of the peas.
• 2 celery stalks, diced: Adds crunch and flavor to the mix.
• 1 bay leaf: A classic herb that enhances the flavor with its subtle, aromatic notes.
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth: This is the liquid base. Chicken broth provides more richness, while vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A must-have herb for split pea soup.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: For a hint of smokiness, this adds a bit of complexity.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: To bring everything together.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and starting off your flavor base.
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For those who like a touch of heat.
• Optional: 1 cup diced ham or sausage: This is perfect for a meaty version, but feel free to skip if you prefer a vegetarian dish.

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the Split Peas: Before you start cooking, rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or dirt.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional minute, letting the spices release their aroma.
4. Add the Liquid and Split Peas: Pour in the broth and add the rinsed split peas. Stir everything together, ensuring the peas are submerged in the liquid.
5. Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. Blend for Creaminess (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer a few cups of the soup to a blender and purée until smooth, then return to the pot.
7. Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade split pea soup hot, with a side of crusty bread or crackers. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of the final dish. Let’s take a deeper look at why each one is important:

• Split Peas: The base of the soup, split peas are high in fiber, protein, and nutrients. They also have a mild, earthy flavor that absorbs and enhances the tastes of the other ingredients.
• Onion, Garlic, Carrots, and Celery (Mirepoix): This classic combination of vegetables creates a deep and savory base for your soup. It’s the foundation of flavor in most soups and stews.
• Herbs and Spices: Thyme and bay leaves add that warm, herby aroma that makes split pea soup so comforting. Smoked paprika adds just enough smokiness to elevate the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Broth: The liquid you use determines the richness of the soup. Vegetable broth will give it a lighter, fresher flavor, while chicken broth adds depth and a more robust, savory taste.
• Ham (Optional): Adding ham gives the soup a smoky, savory element. The fat from the ham also enriches the broth, making the soup even more satisfying.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Rush the Cooking Process: Split peas need time to soften and break down. If you try to cook them too quickly over high heat, the texture can become uneven, and the flavors won’t fully develop.
• Store Leftovers Correctly: Split pea soup often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
• Make It Vegan: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies like potatoes or parsnips for a more robust vegetarian version.
• Add a Touch of Vinegar: A small splash of vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar) just before serving can brighten up the soup and balance out the richness.

Recipe Variations

Split pea soup is incredibly versatile. You can adjust it based on what you have in your pantry or your personal preferences. Here are a few variations:

• Meat Lover’s Version: Add diced ham or bacon for a smoky, savory flavor. You can also add sausage for an extra punch.
• Spicy Split Pea Soup: Add fresh chili peppers or extra red pepper flakes to the soup for a little kick. A squeeze of lime juice at the end can help balance the heat.
• Creamy Split Pea Soup: For a richer soup, blend the entire batch until smooth, then stir in a little heavy cream or coconut milk for added creaminess.
• Green vs. Yellow Split Peas: While green split peas are the classic choice, yellow split peas also make a delicious soup. They have a slightly milder flavor, but the soup will still be just as hearty.
• Add Greens: You can stir in some fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard towards the end of cooking for a boost of nutrients and color.

Final Words

Split pea soup is a delicious, filling, and nourishing dish that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of dietary preferences. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity-just a handful of ingredients that, when combined, create something truly special. It’s a perfect meal for cozy nights in, and it’s hearty enough to serve as a main course.

Whether you’re making a traditional version or adding your own creative twist, this homemade split pea soup recipe is bound to impress. It’s a classic comfort food that’s packed with flavor, nutrition, and heart.