Description
A hearty, creamy Split Pea Soup that’s the ultimate winter comfort food — made with tender split peas, savory vegetables, and smoky flavor in every spoonful. Plus, discover 5 delicious variations to cozy up your bowl this season.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced ham (optional)
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley or croutons for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add split peas, broth, ham hock (if using), bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and soup has thickened.
6. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat if used, and return it to the soup.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree partially or fully for desired texture.
8. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot, garnished with parsley or croutons.
Notes
🥣 5 Cozy Split Pea Soup Variations:
1. **Classic Ham Split Pea Soup** – Add diced smoked ham for rich, savory depth.
2. **Vegetarian Split Pea Soup** – Skip the ham and use vegetable broth; add a dash of liquid smoke for flavor.
3. **Curried Split Pea Soup** – Add 1 tbsp curry powder and a pinch of cumin for a warm, aromatic twist.
4. **Split Pea and Bacon Soup** – Stir in crispy bacon bits before serving.
5. **Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup** – Combine all ingredients and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
Freezes beautifully and tastes even better the next day — the ultimate make-ahead winter comfort!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg