Delicious Split Pea Soup Recipe

thick, velvety, smoky pea soup Which sticks to your spoon and fills your bowl with layers of tender vegetables and chopped ham. I first made it on a snowy February afternoon when I needed something warm and filling, and I’ve been addicted ever since. The best part? It’s easy to throw together with everyday ingredients, and it keeps simmering on the stove while you sit with a book or tackle a load of laundry.

If you want more hearty comfort, try these dinner recipes, or pair this soup with this easy Homemade Tomato Butter recipe spread on crusty bread. For another satisfying meal, check out the best cauliflower steak recipe or a delicious chicken adobo recipe. Why you’ll love this hearty pea soup

Why you’ll love this hearty pea soup

This traditional split pea soup checks all the boxes for a weeknight winner. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal, packed with protein and fiber, and costs less than ten dollars to make. You don’t need fancy materials or complicated techniques. Simply chop, boil and wait for the magic to happen. The peas naturally thicken the creamy, comforting texture, and the ham adds just the right amount of smoky flavor. It also reheats beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week long.

pea soup Material

Let me tell you what makes this Green Split Pea Soup so delicious.

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for ingredient quantities

• olive oil: Helps roast the vegetables and adds a subtle richness to the base.
• Yellow Onion: Makes a tasty base and turns sweet when cooked.
• Celery: Adds a light, earthy flavor and extra texture to the soup.
• Carrot: Bringing in a touch of natural sweetness and bright colour.
• Garlic Cloves: Fill the soup with hot, fragrant depth. Fresh is always best.
• Green split peas: Star of the show. They break down into a thick, creamy consistency and provide lots of protein and fiber.
• Smoked Ham Hock: Adds incredible smoky, meaty flavor. After boiling the meat is separated directly from the bone.
• Bay leaf: A classic addition that adds subtle herbal notes.
• chicken broth: Makes a delicious liquid base. If you wish, you can use vegetable broth.
• Russet Potatoes: Adds heartiness and helps thicken the soup even more.

How to make T0 pea soup

Here’s how to make this comforting homemade split pea soup from start to finish.

Fry vegetables: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the chopped onions, celery and carrots and sauté for about 4 minutes until they soften and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it smells amazing.

Add main content: Add peas, ham hock, bay leaf and chicken broth to pot. Stir gently to combine everything.

Boil and cook on low flame: Cover the vessel and let it simmer lightly. Once it starts boiling, reduce the flame to medium-low and let it simmer for 1 hour. Stir the soup occasionally, and turn the ham hock once or twice so it cooks evenly.

Check Peas: After 1 hour, the peas should break down into a thick, mushy texture. If they still look like whole peas, let them simmer for another 10 minutes.

Add potatoes: Remove the ham hock from the pot and set aside on a plate to cool. Add the chopped potatoes and continue cooking on low heat for about 12 minutes until the potato pieces are soft.

Shred the ham: Once the ham hock is cool enough to touch, remove the meat from the bone and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Remove bones, skin and any fatty pieces.

Mix and season: Add the chopped ham back into the soup and stir gently. Taste the soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.

to serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it with crackers, homemade croutons or a thick slice of crusty bread. Enjoy the warmth and comfort.

Substitutions and Variations

This easy split pea soup recipe is quite forgiving. Here are some ways to make it your own:

• No ham hock? Use chopped ham, cooked bacon, or smoked turkey instead. You’ll still get that smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth.
• Additional Vegetables: Add chopped parsnips, turnips or sweet potatoes for more flavor and nutrition.
• Creamy Texture: Blend half the soup with an immersion blender, then stir it back in.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a little hot sauce.

equipment for pea soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Everything needed to boil together. A heavy bottomed pot works best to prevent sticking.
• Knives and Cutting Board: To chop all those vegetables.
• Spoon for stirring: Any sturdy spoon will do.

How to Store Split Pea Soup

This split pea soup keeps beautifully in the fridge. Let it cool completely, then pour it into an airtight container. It will remain fresh for 5 days. The soup will thicken as it sits, so add a splash of broth or water when you reheat it. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat gently on the stove.

submit suggestions

This nutritious split pea soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are some comforting pairings:

• grilled cheese: For the ultimate comfort food combination, serve it with sticky grilled cheese sandwiches.
• crusty bread: Perfect for dipping a warm baguette or sourdough bread.
• Simple Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Corn Bread: Sweet, crispy cornbread is a classic Southern pairing.

What makes this split pea soup special?

Split Pea Soup is one of those evergreen dishes that has been heating up kitchens for generations. It’s humble, budget-friendly, and transforms a basic pantry staple into something deeply satisfying. The green peas break down into a thick, creamy base without the need for any cream. The smoked ham hock adds a rich, flavorful depth that makes every spoonful taste as if it’s been simmering for hours (which, okay, it has).

This is the kind of soup that fills your home with the most amazing scent. You know the one – earthy, savory, slightly smoky. It’s comfort in a pot.

FAQ

Are you looking for more recipes like this? Try these:

tie

These are my favorite dishes to serve pea soup

pea soup

It’s heartwarming and satisfying pea soup With soft peas and smoky ham in every spoonful, perfect for cold days.

Material

1x2x3x?

• 2 tablespoon olive oil to roast vegetables
• 1 yellow onion chopped
• 3 ribs celery chopped
• 3 Carrot chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced meat
• 1 lb. green split peas dry, raw
• 1 Smoked Ham Hock adds smoky flavor
• 1 Bay leaf to taste
• 6 cup chicken broth preferably high-quality, like better than bouillon
• 1 Russet Potatoes peel and cut into pieces

Method

1. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Saute chopped onion, celery and carrots until softened, about 4 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.

3. Add the peas, ham hock, bay leaf and chicken broth to the pot and stir gently.

4. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook over low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally and turning the ham hocks for even cooking.

5. After 1 hour the peas will become soft. If they are still intact, cook on low flame for another 10 minutes.

6. Remove the ham hock from the pot and set aside to cool. Add chopped potatoes and mix. Cook on low flame for 12 minutes until potatoes become soft.

7. Once the ham hock is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bone and shred.

8. Add the shredded ham meat back to the pot and stir gently to combine.

9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy with crackers, croutons, or crusty bread!

nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 458kilo caloriesCarbohydrates: 59YesProtein: 29Yesthick: 13YesSaturated Fat: 3YesPolyunsaturated Fats: 1YesMonounsaturated Fats: 7YesCholesterol: 29MGSodium: 994MGPotassium: 1000MGFiber: 21YesSugar: 7YesVitamin A: 8iyuvitamin C: 15MGCalcium: 4MGIron: 18MG

notes

This comforting split pea soup can be enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread or homemade croutons. This is a simple, yet satisfying dish that will warm you up in no time!