Split Pea Soup Recipe

Split pea soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a warm, nourishing meal. This classic soup is packed with flavor, and its creamy texture is incredibly satisfying. In this blog post, I’ll share my favorite split pea soup recipe, tips for perfecting it, and some variations to keep things interesting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthy and Nutritious: Split peas are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
2. Easy to Make: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this soup comes together effortlessly.
3. Versatile: Customize it to your taste with various add-ins and seasonings.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeks.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham (optional for a smoky flavor)
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Split Peas and Ham: If you’re using a ham bone or diced ham, add it to the pot now. Rinse the split peas thoroughly and add them to the pot.
3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the broth, ensuring that the ingredients are well-covered. Add the bay leaves and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
4. Season and Serve: Once the peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking, remove the ham bone if used, and discard the bay leaves. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you used a ham bone, you can remove any remaining meat from the bone and stir it back into the soup. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup

• Rinse and Sort the Peas: Always rinse and sort your split peas to remove any debris or stones.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Let the soup simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld and the peas to break down into a creamy consistency.
• Adjusting Thickness: If the soup is too thick for your liking, add more broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Variations

• Add More Vegetables: Incorporate diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash for added texture and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Herb Substitutions: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique twist.

Storing and Reheating

Split pea soup is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Split pea soup is a timeless, comforting dish that’s both nutritious and easy to make. With this recipe, you’ll have a delicious, hearty soup ready to warm you up any day of the week. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and make this classic soup your own!