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
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.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit ham and use vegetable broth.
- The soup thickens as it cools—add water when reheating to reach desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 16g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
