This warm and hearty split pea soup is perfect for chilly days. Made with split peas, carrots, and onions, it’s both filling and tasty!
Making this soup is super easy. I love throwing everything in one pot and letting it simmer. It smells amazing and warms your belly nicely. Enjoy with some crusty bread! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Split Peas: These are the star of the soup and give it its lovely texture. If you can’t find green split peas, yellow ones work just as well. Both have a similar taste but yellow peas will give the soup a lighter color.
Onions and Garlic: I always use yellow onions for their sweetness and flavor. If you’re short on garlic, you can leave it out or even use garlic powder in a pinch. Shallots can also add a nice twist!
Carrots and Celery: Carrots add sweetness, while celery adds depth. If celery isn’t available, you can use bell peppers or even just up the amount of carrots!
Diced Ham or Sausage: This is optional but adds a wonderful smokiness. You could swap it out for turkey, tofu, or simply increase the amount of vegetables for a vegetarian version!
Broth: Using homemade broth can enhance the flavor, but store-bought works fine too. For a lighter soup, go with vegetable broth, or if you enjoy a richer taste, chicken broth is fantastic!
How Can I Get Perfectly Tender Split Peas?
Cooking split peas to tender perfection is key! Rinsing them before cooking helps remove dust and debris. Here’s how to ensure they come out just right:
- Start with boiling water to get the cooking process going quickly. Then reduce to a simmer.
- Keep the heat low and cover the pot partially; this helps keep some moisture in while allowing steam to escape.
- Check regularly; some peas may cook faster than others. If they start to thicken too much, just add a little more broth or water.
Feel free to let the soup simmer longer for an even creamier texture. It’s a great recipe to make on a lazy day!
How to Make Delicious Split Pea Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced (optional, but recommended)
- 1 ½ cups dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup diced ham or smoked sausage (optional for added flavor and protein)
- ½ cup frozen peas (for added color and sweetness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty split pea soup will take about 10 minutes for prep and around 1 hour for cooking. Total time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes. It’s a perfect dish to simmer while you get cozy at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
First, heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery if you’re using it. Sauté them until the vegetables have softened and the onions turn translucent, which will take about 5-7 minutes. This step brings out the lovely flavors!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells amazing!
3. Mix in the Split Peas and Broth:
Now it’s time to add the rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme into the pot. Bring this mixture to a boil, then carefully reduce the heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You want the peas to be tender and breaking down—this is where the magic happens!
4. Add the Ham or Sausage:
If you’re using ham or smoked sausage, add it about halfway through the cooking time. This allows those delicious meaty flavors to meld with the soup.
5. Blend for Creaminess:
Once the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf. If you’d like a creamier texture, grab your immersion blender and partially puree the soup—this keeps some texture while making it smooth!
6. Stir in Frozen Peas:
Add the frozen peas to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes until they’re heated through for a splash of color and sweetness.
7. Season it Up:
Give your soup a taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Adjust it to your liking!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Now, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of freshness.
9. Enjoy with Bread:
Serve your hot split pea soup alongside some crusty bread. It pairs wonderfully and makes for a cozy meal!
This comforting, thick, and flavorful split pea soup is perfect for any chilly day. Enjoy every warm spoonful!
Can I Use Dried Split Peas That Have Been Sitting in My Pantry?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to check that they are not discolored or have an off smell. Dried split peas can last for quite a while, but the older they are, the longer they may take to cook.
What Can I Use Instead of Ham in the Recipe?
If you want to keep it vegetarian or reduce meat, you can omit the ham entirely or substitute with cooked lentils, tofu, or smoked tempeh for a similar depth of flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Split Pea Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen!
Can I Make this Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Simply sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the peas are tender. This method allows for deep flavors to develop beautifully!
