Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe: The Comfort Food You’ve Been Missing
Split pea soup is one meal that warms your soul and fills you up without being heavy. It’s rich, comforting, and loaded with nutrients, making it perfect for a cozy night or a hearty lunch.
Plus, it’s easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether using it to clean the fridge or craving something flavorful and simple, split pea soup has you covered.
Let’s learn how to make this classic, hearty soup that’s bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients for the Perfect Split Pea Soup
To make this delicious soup, you don’t need many fancy ingredients—just some basics that combine to create a rich, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound dried split peas (green or yellow)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a heartier flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins (If You Want to Take it Up a Notch):
- Ham hock or diced ham (for that smoky flavor)
- 1-2 potatoes, peeled and diced (for extra heartiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (just for a pop of color and flavor)
Instructions: Let’s Make Some Soup
Now that your ingredients are ready, it’s time to get cooking. This recipe is so simple that you’ll be sipping your soup quickly.
Prepare the Split Peas
First, rinse the dried split peas in cold water. This helps get rid of any dust or debris. You can soak them overnight to speed up the cooking process, but if you’re in a hurry, don’t worry. The soup will still be great without soaking—just give it a little more time to cook.
Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften. The goal is to develop some sweetness in the vegetables.
Once those are softened, toss in the garlic and sauté for another minute. You’ll start to smell that delicious garlic aroma filling your kitchen. It’s the sign you’re on the right track.
Simmer the Soup
Add the split peas, bay leaf, dried thyme, and broth to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to an hour or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to keep things moving and prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
If you’re using ham or a ham hock, now’s the time to add it. The longer it cooks, the more the ham flavor will infuse into the soup, giving it that comforting, smoky taste. Just be sure to remove the ham hock before serving, as it’s mostly for flavor, and you don’t need to serve it up with the soup.
Optional: Blend Some of the Soup
If you want a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup right in the pot. Don’t worry if you don’t have one—you can also ladle out some of the soup, blend it in a regular blender, and then stir it back into the pot. This is optional but can make the soup even more satisfying.
Final Adjustments and Serve
Once your soup has thickened and the flavors have melded together, taste it. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. And don’t forget to remove the bay leaf! Trust me, it’s not something you want to bite into.
Serve up the soup in bowls, and if you’re feeling fancy, top it with fresh parsley, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil. This soup is delicious on its own or with a piece of crusty bread to soak up all that goodness.
Tips for the Perfect Split Pea Soup
- Adjust Consistency: If you like your soup a little thinner, add more broth or water to achieve the desired consistency. For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer, and it will naturally thicken.
- Make Ahead: Split pea soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance. The flavors continue to develop overnight, and you have a super easy meal ready.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers, and you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Benefits of Split Pea Soup
Not only is split pea soup tasty, but it’s also incredibly healthy. Split peas are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They’re also low in fat, making this a hearty yet light meal.
Adding vegetables only boosts the nutritional value, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat clean while enjoying rich, comforting flavors.
FAQs: Your Split Pea Soup Questions Answered
Q: Can I use canned split peas instead of dried peas?
A: Canned split peas are already cooked, so if you’re using them, you’ll just need to heat them through with your veggies and broth. Remember that the texture might be slightly different, and you won’t get the same thick, hearty result as dried peas.
Q: What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
A: You can use chicken broth if you don’t have vegetable broth. This will give the soup a richer flavor. Alternatively, you can use water, though it may be less flavorful.
Q: Can I add more meat to this soup?
A: Yes! Adding more ham or even bacon can elevate the soup to a new level. Remember that the more meat you add, the richer and saltier the soup will be. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Definitely! To make split pea soup in a slow cooker, just sauté the vegetables, add them to the slow cooker along with the split peas, broth, and seasoning, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you want a thicker consistency, you can blend part of the soup at the end.
Conclusion
Split pea soup is one of those simple and satisfying dishes that offer you warmth and comfort with every spoonful.
Whether making it for a family dinner, prepping for the week, or craving something cozy, this recipe will surely hit the spot.
It’s packed with customizable and, most importantly, delicious nutrients. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a regular on your menu!
