Classic Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of homemade split pea soup. This timeless recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, creamy soup that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re using a leftover ham bone or starting fresh, this soup delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 portions

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 large ham bone or 2 ham hocks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup diced ham (in addition to ham bone)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preparation

1. Sort through split peas, removing any debris, then rinse thoroughly under cold water.
2. Dice all vegetables uniformly for even cooking.

Cooking Method

1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add split peas, ham bone, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, marjoram, and sage.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
6. Cover and simmer for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are very tender and soup has thickened.
7. Remove ham bone and bay leaves.
8. If using ham bone, remove any remaining meat and add back to the soup along with the additional diced ham.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Split Pea Soup

1. Thickness Control:

• For thinner soup, add more broth
• For thicker soup, simmer uncovered
• Soup will continue to thicken as it cools

1. Storage Tips:

• Keeps in refrigerator for 4-5 days
• Freezes well for up to 3 months
• May need additional liquid when reheating

1. Ham Options:

• Ham bone from holiday ham
• Smoked ham hocks
• Diced ham only (increase to 2 cups if not using bone)
• Smoked turkey leg for alternative

1. Vegetarian Variation:

• Omit ham
• Use vegetable broth
• Add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• Include 1 cup diced potatoes for substance

Serving Suggestions

Serve your split pea soup with:

• Crusty bread or rolls
• Oyster crackers
• Fresh green salad
• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Cornbread
• Croutons

Troubleshooting Tips

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Peas Not Softening:

• Ensure peas aren’t too old
• Don’t add salt until peas are tender
• Extended cooking may be needed

1. Soup Too Thick:

• Add hot broth or water
• Stir frequently while reheating
• Thin gradually to desired consistency

1. Soup Too Thin:

• Continue cooking uncovered
• Mash some peas against pot side
• Add 1-2 tablespoons instant potato flakes

Nutritional Benefits

Split pea soup is not only delicious but also nutritious:

• High in fiber
• Good source of protein
• Rich in vitamins A, B, and K
• Contains iron and potassium
• Low in fat (especially without ham)

Seasonal Variations

Winter Version

• Add diced potato
• Include parsnips
• Use more herbs

Summer Version

• Add fresh peas
• Include fresh herbs
• Lighter on ham
• Serve slightly cooler

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Make-Ahead

1. Prep vegetables up to 2 days ahead
2. Store cut vegetables in airtight container
3. Complete recipe when ready to serve

Freezing

1. Cool soup completely
2. Portion into freezer containers
3. Leave expansion space
4. Label with date
5. Freeze up to 3 months
6. Thaw overnight in refrigerator

This classic split pea soup recipe is perfect for cold days, using leftover ham, or whenever you crave a hearty, nutritious meal. The recipe’s flexibility allows for various adaptations while maintaining its comforting essence. Whether served as a main course or starter, this soup never fails to satisfy and warm from the inside out.