Delicious Split Pea Soup Recipe

Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of heartwarming Split Pea Soup that has been a cherished family recipe for generations. This isn’t your ordinary pea soup; it’s a delightful blend of tender split peas, savory ham, and vibrant veggies that create a symphony of flavors in every spoonful. As the chilly weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of this soup to warm you up from the inside out.

Cooking up a pot of Split Pea Soup is like preparing a comforting hug in a bowl. The slow simmering of split peas alongside smoky ham and fresh vegetables results in a thick and nourishing soup that is as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking to recreate a beloved family tradition or simply craving a nourishing meal to lift your spirits, this recipe will not disappoint. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking this soul-soothing Split Pea Soup that will surely become a staple in your kitchen!

Quick Benefits

• Nutrient-rich: Packed with veggies, split peas, and ham, providing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and proteins essential for a balanced diet.
• Versatile: Can be customized with various ingredients like potatoes, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Make-ahead: Tastes even better the next day, perfect for meal prepping or batch cooking to enjoy throughout the week.
• Family tradition: Connects with heritage and roots, making it more than just a meal; it’s a way to share stories, memories, and love through food.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Split Pea Soup Recipe Recipe

• Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein-rich split peas and smoky ham, this soup is not only comforting but also a wholesome meal choice.
• Family Tradition: Following a cherished family recipe passed down through generations adds a special touch to the cooking experience and the meal itself.
• Versatile and Customizable: Whether you prefer a vegetarian twist, a smoky flavor with paprika, or additional veggies like potatoes, this recipe allows you to tailor it to your preferences.
• Simple Ingredients, Amazing Flavor: The combination of fresh veggies, ham, and herbs creates a robust and flavorful soup without the need for complicated or exotic ingredients.
• Soul-Warming and Satisfying: Perfect for cold days or when you need a bowl of something comforting, this soup will warm you from the inside out and leave you feeling satiated.
• Make-Ahead and Leftover Friendly: Ideal for meal prepping or cooking in large batches, this soup tastes even better the next day and can be frozen for future enjoyment.
• Sharing and Togetherness: Cooking this soup can be a family affair, connecting you to your roots and creating memories as you share the meal with loved ones.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re looking to lift someone’s spirits or simply enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family, this soup is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to all who try it.

Ingredients for Delicious Split Pea Soup Recipe

• 16 oz dried split peas, washed.
• Salt and pepper, adjust to your preference.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic.
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• 2 bay leaves, whole.
• 1 cup chopped carrots.
• 1½ cups diced yellow onion.
• Fresh parsley, roughly chopped, as a topping.
• 4 cups chicken broth, unsalted.
• 1½ teaspoons fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
• 1½ pounds of ham bone or shanks with plenty of meat.
• 1¼ cups chopped celery stalks.
• 4 cups water, not hot.

Pro Tips for Delicious Split Pea Soup Recipe

For an exceptional Split Pea Soup, take your time sautéing the veggies to develop deep flavors. Be mindful of the liquid level while cooking; add more broth if the soup thickens too much. A pro tip is to save leftover ham bones in the freezer for that extra depth of flavor, enhancing the soup’s overall taste.

To elevate your dining experience, accompany the soup with crunchy bread for dipping. Top each serving with fresh parsley and consider making extra because everyone will want seconds. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so prepare a large batch to enjoy throughout the week, remembering to thin it out with more broth when reheating. Feel free to customize the soup by adding ingredients like diced potatoes, smoked paprika for a vegetarian option, or fresh herbs like dill for a twist. Cooking is about finding what you love best, so make this recipe your own and create lasting memories with your family.

How to Make Delicious Split Pea Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook Veggies

Heat oil in a pan, add onion and celery, sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 2: Combine Liquids and Base

Combine water, broth, peas, thyme, bay leaves, ham, and a small amount of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Let It Simmer

Bring the pot to a gentle boil, cover, and cook for 60-80 minutes until the ham and peas are tender.

Step 4: Prepare Ham

Remove the ham from the soup and allow it to cool for approximately 10 minutes before shredding. Stir the carrots into the soup while the ham cools.

Step 5: Finish It Off

Continue cooking for 30 minutes until peas are very soft and soup thickens. Add ham back to pot, then taste and adjust seasoning.

Storage Tips

After preparing a delicious pot of split pea soup, you can store the leftovers in the fridge for 4-5 days. As it chills, the soup will naturally thicken, so when reheating, remember to add a bit of water to adjust the texture to your liking. This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.

If you have more soup than you can enjoy within the week, freezing it is a great option. The split pea soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Whether you’re stocking up for future meals or just want to save some for a rainy day, freezing this hearty soup is a convenient way to enjoy it later on.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a vegetarian version of this split pea soup, you can easily omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To maintain that smoky flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the soup while it simmers. This substitution allows you to enjoy a delicious, flavorful soup while catering to different dietary preferences.

For those looking to add extra depth and heartiness to the soup, consider incorporating diced potatoes into the recipe. Potatoes can provide a satisfying texture and make the soup even more filling. Simply peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the pot with the other ingredients. This versatile ingredient addition can elevate the soup and create a more substantial meal, perfect for colder days.

Serving Suggestions

For a cozy and heartwarming meal, serve the Split Pea Soup with a side of freshly baked crusty bread for dipping. The combination of the creamy soup and crunchy bread is a match made in food heaven, perfect for cold days or when you need a comforting meal. Top the soup with a generous sprinkling of fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to each bowl.

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding diced potatoes to the Split Pea Soup for an extra layer of heartiness and texture. The potatoes will soak up the flavors of the soup and add a satisfying element to each spoonful. You can also experiment with different toppings like a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a unique and personalized touch to your bowl of soup.

FAQs for Delicious Split Pea Soup Recipe

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely, but ham gives it great taste. Use veggie stock and toss in smoked paprika for a smoky twist.

Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?

Not at all. A quick rinse and sorting are all that’s needed since split peas cook quicker than most legumes.

How long can I store the leftover soup?

Keep it in the fridge for 4-5 days. It will get thicker as it chills. Add water when reheating to adjust the texture.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Let it cool fully first and leave space in the container for expansion.

Conclusion

As you prepare to make your own delicious “Split Pea Soup”, remember that cooking is about having fun and making memories in the kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, the heartiness and warmth of this soup will always bring joy to those who enjoy it.

So next time you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup, why not give this “Split Pea Soup” a try? It’s not just a meal; it’s a connection to the past and a way to create new traditions. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the rich flavors will surely make it a favorite in your home. Warm your soul with each spoonful of this beloved soup, and share its magic with your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Delicious Split Pea Soup Recipe

“Hearty Split Pea Soup with Smoky Ham – a comforting, nutrient-packed classic that brings generations together in a bowl.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time105 Minutes

Total Time120 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (9 cups)

Ingredients

• 16 oz dried split peas, washed.
• Salt and pepper, adjust to your preference.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic.
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
• 2 bay leaves, whole.
• 1 cup chopped carrots.
• 1½ cups diced yellow onion.
• Fresh parsley, roughly chopped, as a topping.
• 4 cups chicken broth, unsalted.
• 1½ teaspoons fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
• 1½ pounds of ham bone or shanks with plenty of meat.
• 1¼ cups chopped celery stalks.
• 4 cups water, not hot.

Instructions

1. Cook Veggies: Heat oil in a pan, add onion and celery, sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Combine Liquids and Base: Combine water, broth, peas, thyme, bay leaves, ham, and a small amount of salt and pepper.
3. Let It Simmer: Bring the pot to a gentle boil, cover, and cook for 60-80 minutes until the ham and peas are tender.
4. Prepare Ham: Remove the ham from the soup and allow it to cool for approximately 10 minutes before shredding. Stir the carrots into the soup while the ham cools.
5. Finish It Off: Continue cooking for 30 minutes until peas are very soft and soup thickens. Add ham back to pot, then taste and adjust seasoning.