Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe for a Cozy and Nutritious Meal

This hearty Split Pea Soup recipe is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or when you need a nourishing bowl of warmth. Packed with the wholesome goodness of split peas, fresh vegetables, and a touch of seasoning, it delivers rich flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing ahead for meal prep, this soup is a healthy, budget-friendly option. It’s easy to cook, highly customizable, and naturally creamy without any added dairy. Serve it with warm bread or enjoy it solo either way, this soup is bound to become a regular in your kitchen.

Ingredients Of Split Pea Soup Recipe

Why You Will Love This Split Pea Soup Recipe

This soup is hearty, healthy, and incredibly easy to make. It’s naturally gluten-free, protein-rich, and full of fiber. You’ll love how it thickens beautifully without cream, and how satisfying it is with minimal ingredients. It also stores and reheats well for busy weekdays.

Preparation Process Of Split Pea Soup Recipe

Begin by rinsing the split peas thoroughly. While they drain, chop your vegetables evenly for a consistent cook. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil to build a deep flavor base. Add the split peas, broth, herbs, and optional ham or turkey. Simmer until creamy and tender.

Step By Step Instructions

Rinse the Split Peas
Rinse split peas under cold water to remove any dirt or debris, then set aside to drain completely.

Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Add Peas and Seasoning
Stir in split peas, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly in the flavor base.

Pour in Broth and Simmer
Add the broth and a bit of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 45–60 minutes.

Stir Occasionally
Stir every 10–15 minutes to prevent sticking. As the peas break down, the soup will naturally thicken.

Add Protein (Optional)
If using ham or smoked turkey, add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This infuses a smoky depth into the soup.

Adjust Consistency
Once the peas are tender, adjust the thickness by adding a splash of water or broth if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.

Taste and Season
Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking before serving.

How to Serve?

• Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast
• Top with crumbled bacon for extra texture
• Pair with a fresh green salad
• Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for richness
• Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 17g
3. Fat: 5g
4. Carbohydrates: 42g
5. Fiber: 15g
6. Sugar: 6g
7. Sodium: 520mg

Recipe Card

Split Pea Soup Recipe

Recipe by Rachael rayCourse: Soups

Servings

4–6 people

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

280

kcal

This Split Pea Soup recipe is a delicious and healthy comfort meal you can enjoy year-round. Loaded with split peas, vegetables, and optional ham, it simmers into a naturally creamy, protein-rich soup that’s both hearty and filling. It’s easy to make in one pot, budget-friendly, and freezer-friendly for busy weeknights. Whether you enjoy it as a main or side dish, it offers a satisfying way to nourish your body and please your tastebuds. With simple pantry ingredients and optional smoky meat, this soup delivers a homestyle taste that always hits the spot.

Ingredients

• Split peas

• Carrots

• Celery

• Onion

• Garlic

• Bay leaves

• Dried thyme

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Vegetable broth or chicken broth

• Cooked ham or smoked turkey (optional)

• Water

Directions

• Rinse the Split Peas
• Rinse split peas under cold water to remove any dirt or debris, then set aside to drain completely.
• Sauté the Aromatics
• In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Add Peas and Seasoning
• Stir in split peas, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly in the flavor base.
• Pour in Broth and Simmer
• Add the broth and a bit of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 45–60 minutes.
• Stir Occasionally
• Stir every 10–15 minutes to prevent sticking. As the peas break down, the soup will naturally thicken.
• Add Protein (Optional)
• If using ham or smoked turkey, add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This infuses a smoky depth into the soup.
• Adjust Consistency
• Once the peas are tender, adjust the thickness by adding a splash of water or broth if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.
• Taste and Season
• Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking before serving.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Split peas don’t need soaking before cooking.
• Stir often to prevent sticking.
• For ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender.
• You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Conclusion