Name: Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste; 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth; 1 cup diced ham or a ham bone, optional; Additional water as needed

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There’s something wonderfully comforting about a steaming bowl of Classic Split Pea Soup. It’s the kind of rustic, homey dish that brings to mind cozy kitchens, chilly afternoons, and plenty of second helpings. Each spoonful is rich and velvety, layered with earthy peas, sweet carrots, and hints of savory ham (or just pure veggie delight if you go meatless). Whether you’re making it for a crowd or simply seeking a nourishing meal for yourself, Classic Split Pea Soup is a timeless favorite that never fails to deliver warmth and satisfaction.

Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Classic Split Pea Soup has a magical way of transforming the most humble ingredients into something hearty and soul-satisfying. Each element brings its own essential flavor, color, or texture, making every bite a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the vegetables sauté to aromatic perfection.
Yellow onion: Brings a sweet, savory depth that forms the flavor base for the soup.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with an unbeatable, gentle warmth.
Carrots: Diced carrots add natural sweetness and a burst of color.
Celery: Lends an herbal note and classic structure to the broth.
Dried thyme: Just a teaspoon gives the soup a subtle earthy aroma that elevates every spoonful.
Bay leaf: Introduces a gentle layer of savory, slightly floral flavor—just remember to remove it before serving.
Black pepper: A half-teaspoon is just right to add a peppery kick without overwhelming gentle flavors.
Salt: Season as you go and taste at the end, as ham and broth will add their own saltiness.
Dried green split peas: The star of the show—these peas break down beautifully, transforming into a thick, creamy soup.
Low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth: Forms the soup’s flavorful base; low-sodium gives you control over the final seasoning.
Diced ham or a ham bone (optional): For a classic smoky touch, though you can absolutely make it vegetarian and still have amazing flavor.
Additional water: Use as needed to adjust the consistency, especially if the soup thickens as it cooks or cools.

How to Make Classic Split Pea Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Let them cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This foundational step releases all the natural sugars and aromas, ensuring your Classic Split Pea Soup develops a rich, layered flavor base.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

Next, sprinkle in the dried thyme, toss in the bay leaf, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables with these herbs and spices. This moment might seem simple, but it’s essential for infusing every bite with aromatic depth.

Step 3: Add the Split Peas, Broth, and Ham

Pour in your rinsed and sorted split peas, followed by the low-sodium broth. If you’re including ham or a ham bone, now’s the time to nestle it into the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine and prepare yourself for the most delightful aroma that will start filling your kitchen.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low so the soup simmers very gently. Leave the pot uncovered and let the soup cook for 60–75 minutes. Give it a stir every so often and check if you need to add more water—split peas break down as they cook and will naturally thicken the soup. Your Classic Split Pea Soup is ready when the peas are soft and the broth is rich and velvety.

Step 5: Final Touches

Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. For those who love a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup partway (or totally, if you prefer ultra-creamy). Taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls, and get ready to enjoy comfort in a cup!

How to Serve Classic Split Pea Soup

Garnishes

A swirl of extra olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper, or a handful of rustic croutons can transform your bowl of Classic Split Pea Soup from simple to stunning. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add color and a little burst of flavor on top.

Side Dishes

This soup begs for a side of thick, crusty bread with a crackling crust for dunking. Try pairing it with a crisp green salad, buttery biscuits, or even a chunk of warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to go beyond the basic bowl, pour your Classic Split Pea Soup into small mugs for a fun starter at a dinner party, or serve it in a hollowed-out round loaf of bread for a dramatic presentation that doubles as an edible bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Classic Split Pea Soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

This soup freezes exceptionally well. Once cooled, ladle it into freezer-safe jars or bags, leaving a little room for expansion, and store for up to three months. When you thaw it, you may need to add a splash of water or broth, as the soup thickens in the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat Classic Split Pea Soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often. If it’s thicker than you’d like, just add a little extra water or broth until you reach the perfect consistency. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I make Classic Split Pea Soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Just skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup is still incredibly flavorful even without the meat, thanks to the onions, garlic, and herbs.

Why are my split peas not softening?

Old split peas can sometimes take longer to cook or may never soften properly. Always use fresh, well-stored peas, and make sure you’re not adding acidic ingredients (like tomatoes or vinegar) before the peas have softened.

What can I use instead of ham?

If you’d like to keep the smoky flavor but avoid pork, try smoked turkey or even a dash of smoked paprika. For a purely plant-based version, extra veggies or a dash of liquid smoke works wonders.

Can I use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

Certainly! Simply sauté the veggies using the sauté function, add the rest of the ingredients, and pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally. The result is a remarkably quick and creamy Classic Split Pea Soup.

How can I adjust the thickness?

The soup thickens as it cools, so feel free to adjust by adding extra water or broth when reheating. If you prefer it thinner while cooking, stir in a bit more liquid until you reach your desired texture.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet made Classic Split Pea Soup from scratch, I hope you’ll dive in and discover just how simple and rewarding it can be. There’s a special joy in bringing together these everyday ingredients and ending up with a meal that’s cozy, rich, and unforgettable. Give it a try soon—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty Classic Split Pea Soup recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal. Loaded with vegetables, split peas, and optional ham for extra flavor, this soup is a delicious and nutritious choice for any day.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetable Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced

Seasonings and Peas:

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted

Liquid and Optional:

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 cup diced ham or a ham bone, optional
Additional water as needed

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften.
Add Seasonings and Peas: Stir in thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Add split peas, broth, and ham (if using). Bring to a boil, then simmer for 60–75 minutes until peas are soft.
Adjust Consistency: Stir occasionally and add water if needed. Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture if desired.
Serve: Serve hot with crusty bread.