How to Create a Hearty Split Pea Soup: A Simple Guide
When the weather turns cold and you’re craving something warm, cozy, and satisfying, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of split pea soup. Packed with flavor, protein, and healthy nutrients, split pea soup is comforting, affordable, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or yourself, this recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a hearty split pea soup. We’ll use simple English and everyday ingredients to ensure anyone can whip up this delicious meal, even if you’ve never cooked soup before!
What Is Split Pea Soup?
Split peas are dried peas that have been hulled and split in half, which makes them quick to cook and ideal for creating a creamy, thick soup without using any cream. This traditional soup has been enjoyed around the world for centuries, and it’s often made with a flavorful base of vegetables, broth, and smoky ham. Best of all, it’s versatile—you can easily tweak the recipe to fit vegetarian diets or your personal taste preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients for split pea soup. Many of these are pantry staples, so you might already have them at home:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2–3 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 stalks of celery (chopped)
- 3–4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 pound (about 2 cups) dried split peas (rinsed and checked for debris)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 bay leaf (adds depth to the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (and salt, to taste)
- 1 cup cooked ham, ham hock, or smoked turkey (optional, for added flavor and protein)
- Water (optional, to adjust soup thickness)
- Lemon juice or vinegar (for a splash of brightness at the end)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping all your vegetables—onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Rinse the dried split peas in cold water and check for any small stones or debris. If you’re using cooked ham or a ham hock, slice or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté Your Vegetables
Heat your olive oil or butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent. This step builds layers of flavor in your soup.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Split Peas
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the rinsed split peas to the pot. Toss in the bay leaf and dried thyme for extra seasoning. If you’re using ham hock or smoked turkey, add it now. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once the soup starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Cover the pot with a lid but leave it slightly ajar to let steam escape. Simmer for about 1–1½ hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom. You’ll know the soup is ready when the split peas break down and create a creamy texture. The ham hock, if used, will become tender and infuse the soup with a smoky flavor.
Step 5: Remove the Bay Leaf and Blend (Optional)
Once the soup is cooked, remove the bay leaf. If you prefer a completely smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend it directly in the pot. For a chunkier texture, skip the blending step—simply mash some of the peas with a wooden spoon or potato masher.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, or even a drizzle of water or broth to reach the consistency you like. A splash of lemon juice or vinegar can brighten the flavors and bring the soup to life.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your hearty split pea soup is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve it with warm, crusty bread or a side of crackers for an extra treat. This soup also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ham or meat entirely and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian take on the soup.
- Storage: Split pea soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for 2–3 months.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add extra veggies like potatoes or parsnips for more variety.
- Spices: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Making split pea soup at home is rewarding—it’s affordable, easy, and perfect for chilly evenings. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience while it simmers, you’ll have a hearty, homemade soup that warms both your stomach and your soul. So pull out your soup pot, grab some split peas, and give this recipe a try. It might just become your new go-to comfort food!
Enjoy your cooking adventure, and happy soup-making!
