Split pea soup is a comforting, hearty dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for chilly days. This Homemade Split Pea Soup Recipe is made with tender split peas, smoky ham, and vegetables simmered to perfection, creating a thick, flavorful soup that’s both nourishing and satisfying. It’s the ideal meal to warm you up and fill you with comfort.
Split pea soup has a long history as a wholesome, frugal meal, often made with leftover ham bones to infuse the broth with a rich, smoky flavor. This classic recipe is easy to make, and it’s perfect for cooking in large batches to enjoy throughout the week. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or as a starter for a bigger meal, split pea soup is a classic comfort food favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with fiber and protein from the split peas, this soup is incredibly satisfying.
- Smoky Flavor: Using a ham hock or leftover ham adds a rich, smoky depth to the soup.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and one pot, this recipe comes together easily.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully.
Key Ingredients for Split Pea Soup
1. Split Peas
- Dried split peas are the star of the show, providing the creamy, thick texture once they’ve simmered down. You don’t need to soak them beforehand, but be sure to rinse and sort them before using.
2. Ham or Ham Hock
- A ham hock or leftover ham adds a deep, smoky flavor to the soup. The meat becomes tender as it simmers, and you can shred it and stir it back into the soup before serving.
3. Carrots, Celery, & Onions
- These vegetables add flavor, sweetness, and texture to the soup. They provide a nice balance to the richness of the ham and split peas.
4. Garlic
- Garlic enhances the overall flavor of the soup, adding an aromatic, savory touch.
5. Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- Broth serves as the base of the soup, providing more flavor than just using water. You can use chicken broth for a richer taste or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version (if you skip the ham).
6. Bay Leaf & Thyme
- Bay leaves and thyme add earthy, herbal notes to the soup, helping to round out the flavors.
How to Make Homemade Split Pea Soup
This homemade split pea soup is easy to make and requires just one pot. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Rinse and sort the split peas to remove any debris. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion, and mince the garlic. If using a ham hock, set it aside to add later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add the Split Peas, Broth, and Ham
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, then add the chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, and ham hock (if using). Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally. The soup will thicken as the peas break down.
Step 4: Remove the Ham Hock
- Once the peas are soft and the soup has thickened, remove the ham hock from the pot. Shred the meat from the bone and stir it back into the soup.
Step 5: Season and Serve
- Remove the bay leaf, then season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Split Pea Soup
1. Use a Ham Bone or Ham Hock
- For the best flavor, use a ham bone or ham hock. The smoky flavor they impart is key to making a truly delicious split pea soup. If you don’t have one, diced ham works as well.
2. Check the Peas
- Split peas don’t need to be soaked, but make sure to rinse them thoroughly and remove any stones or debris before adding them to the soup.
3. Adjust the Thickness
- The soup will thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, simply add more broth or water to thin it out to your liking.
4. Make It Vegetarian
- For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a bit of that smoky flavor.
5. Let It Sit
- Split pea soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Recipe Variations
1. Vegetarian Split Pea Soup
- Omit the ham and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to give the soup a smoky flavor without the meat.
2. Split Pea and Bacon Soup
- If you don’t have ham, try adding crispy bacon instead. Fry up some bacon, crumble it, and stir it into the soup for a smoky, salty kick.
3. Creamy Split Pea Soup
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup once the peas are soft. This gives the soup a thicker, creamier texture while still leaving some chunks for texture.
4. Spicy Split Pea Soup
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the soup for a spicy twist. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
FAQs: Homemade Split Pea Soup
1. Do I Need to Soak Split Peas Before Cooking?
- No, split peas don’t need to be soaked before cooking. However, be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any debris.
2. Can I Make Split Pea Soup in a Slow Cooker?
- Yes! You can make this soup in a slow cooker by combining all the ingredients and cooking on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the peas cook evenly.
3. How Long Does Split Pea Soup Last?
- Split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
4. Can I Freeze Split Pea Soup?
- Yes! Split pea soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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