Timeless Green Comfort: Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

Warm, hearty soups hold a special place in comfort food cuisine, with this classic split pea soup recipe delivering rich, soul-satisfying flavors.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this simple yet deeply nourishing dish that transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious meal.

The vibrant green soup captures the essence of traditional cooking with its smooth, velvety texture and deeply satisfying aroma.

Tender split peas simmer alongside savory vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a wholesome blend that warms you from the inside out.

Each spoonful carries memories of rustic kitchens and slow-cooked meals shared around family tables.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this soup offers a delicious way to enjoy a comforting classic that never goes out of style.

Dive into this timeless recipe and savor every delectable spoonful.

Kitchen Tools For Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions, carrots, and celery.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add herbs and spices.
• Measuring cups: Ensures correct liquid and ingredient quantities.

Simple Instructions For Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Veggie Base Warmup

Grab a big pot and let the olive oil or butter dance on medium heat. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery, creating a colorful veggie party that softens and releases sweet, earthy aromas.

• Herbal Magic

Sprinkle in fresh garlic, delicate thyme, and a whisper of smoky paprika. Let these flavors mingle and bloom, filling your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance that promises deliciousness ahead.

• Soup Foundation

The vegetables will start to transform, becoming tender and releasing their natural sweetness. This moment marks the perfect beginning of a hearty, soul-warming soup that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

• Liquid Love

Pour in your chosen broth, allowing the liquid to embrace the softened vegetables. The pot comes alive with gentle bubbling, signaling the start of something wonderfully comforting.

• Flavor Journey

Add your split peas, letting them sink into the aromatic landscape. They’ll slowly simmer, absorbing all the rich flavors while turning wonderfully creamy and soft.

• Simmering Serenity

Let the soup gently bubble, stirring occasionally. Watch as the peas break down, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that whispers of home and warmth.

• Final Touch

Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the soup sings with perfect balance. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a final burst of freshness.

Tips For Flavorful Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Perfect Pea Soup Secrets: Smooth Blending Magic: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for ultra-creamy texture without transferring hot soup to a separate blender. This technique saves cleanup time and reduces potential mess.
• Smoky Flavor Boost: Substitute regular ham with pancetta or smoked bacon to create deeper, richer flavor profiles that elevate the classic split pea soup experience.
• Vegetarian-Friendly Twist: Replace ham with smoked tofu or roasted mushrooms to maintain rich umami flavor while keeping the dish completely plant-based. Season generously with additional herbs and spices to compensate for meat's depth.
• Texture Control Technique: For those preferring chunkier soup, reserve some cooked vegetables and ham before blending, then stir back into the pureed base. This method provides delightful textural contrast and hearty mouthfeel.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Split pea soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving slight room for expansion. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently, adding splash of broth if soup becomes too thick during storage.

Serving Ideas For Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Hearty Ham Companion: Serve this soup alongside thick slices of crusty sourdough bread or warm cornbread for a satisfying meal that soaks up every delicious spoonful.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the soup with crispy diced bacon bits, shredded ham chunks, or crumbled sausage to add extra protein and a delightful textural crunch.
• Garnish Garden: Brighten the soup's rich flavor with fresh chopped parsley, a swirl of sour cream, or a sprinkle of green onions just before serving to add color and freshness.
• Texture Twist: Add a handful of homemade croutons or toasted pumpkin seeds on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soup's smooth, creamy consistency.

Storage Guide For Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Soup Storage Solutions: Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavor Enhancement: Allow soup to sit overnight in the fridge, which helps ingredients meld and deepens the taste profile. Freezing Strategy: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace, and freeze for 23 months. Reheating Wisdom: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to restore original consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Used In Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Olive Oil or Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing vegetables and building deep flavor layers.
• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic mirepoix blend that creates a robust, savory starting point for the soup's depth.
• Garlic: Adds a punchy, aromatic kick that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Thyme: Introduces a subtle, earthy herbal note that complements the hearty soup.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers a gentle smoky warmth and vibrant color to the dish.

• Split Peas: Hearty legume that transforms into a creamy, satisfying base with a mild, slightly nutty taste.
• Ham Hock or Bone: Infuses rich, meaty flavor and adds incredible depth to the soup's character.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting the soup's complex flavors.
• Bay Leaf: Contributes a subtle, sophisticated aromatic undertone during simmering.
• Water or Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid foundation that allows ingredients to meld and develop.

Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty split pea soup delivers comfort through rich, smoky flavors from ham and vegetables. Warm bowls invite home cooks to savor traditional comfort with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450g) dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 6 cups (1.5L) chicken or vegetable broth
• 12 cups (240-480ml) water (as needed)
• 1 ham bone, ham hock, or 1 cup diced cooked ham (optional for smoky flavor)
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium flame, adding onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables become translucent and tender, stirring periodically to ensure even caramelization.
2. Spice Infusion: Incorporate garlic, thyme, and paprika into the vegetable base. Allow the spices to release their essential oils, creating a rich, layered flavor foundation that will permeate the entire soup.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, followed by split peas, ham hock or diced ham, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, complex flavors.
4. Slow Transformation: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for approximately 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally. The split peas will gradually break down, creating a creamy, velvety texture while the ham imparts a smoky, savory undertone.
5. Final Refinement: Remove bay leaves and ham hock. If using ham hock, separate the meat from the bone and return it to the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup, maintaining some textural integrity.

Notes

• Sauté Vegetables Thoroughly: Ensure vegetables are softened and translucent before adding spices to develop a rich, deep flavor base that enhances the soup’s overall taste profile.
• Control Spice Blooming: Briefly toast garlic and herbs to release their essential oils and prevent burning, which can introduce bitter undertones to the soup.
• Manage Heat Carefully: Maintain a gentle, consistent medium heat while cooking to prevent vegetable scorching and preserve delicate flavor nuances.
• Customize Texture Options: Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth for a thinner soup or mashing some split peas for a creamier, more substantial texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg