Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe
Introduction
Easy Split Pea Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients to create a flavorful, creamy soup that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried split peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 cup diced carrots (2-3 carrots)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (2-4 garlic cloves)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 ounces ham, diced (or a meaty ham bone for extra flavor)
- 6 cups chicken broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour the split peas into a shallow bowl or plate. Pick through and remove any stones or debris, then rinse the peas under cold water using a strainer.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Step 3: Add minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and diced ham. Stir and cook for one more minute to release the flavors.
- Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, add the rinsed split peas and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ hours until peas are soft and soup thickens.
- Step 5: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Season the soup with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Tips & Variations
- Using a meaty ham bone instead of diced ham adds deeper flavor and richness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and omit the ham.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup before serving.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if it becomes too thick during cooking.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup is too thick. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of dried split peas?
Dried split peas are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to thicken the soup. Fresh peas won’t achieve the same consistency and may alter cooking time.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No soaking is required for split peas. Just rinse them well before adding to the soup to remove any debris.
PrintEasy Split Pea Soup Recipe
A comforting and hearty Easy Split Pea Soup featuring tender split peas, savory ham, and fresh vegetables simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. This classic recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Peas & Broth
- 1 pound dried split peas
- 6 cups chicken broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 bay leaf
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 cup diced carrots (2–3 carrots)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (2–4 garlic cloves)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Fats & Protein
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces ham, diced (or a meaty ham bone as noted)
Seasonings
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the peas: Pour the split peas into a shallow bowl or plate and carefully pick through to remove any stones or debris. Rinse the peas thoroughly under cold water using a strainer to ensure they are clean.
- Sauté vegetables and ham: Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and diced ham. Cook everything together for an additional minute, stirring frequently to release aromas.
- Simmer the soup: Add the rinsed split peas, chicken broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and simmer for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency. Adjust thickness as needed by simmering uncovered or adding broth.
- Season and serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste the soup and season with salt and ground black pepper as desired. Serve warm for a nourishing and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a meaty ham bone instead of diced ham; simmer the ham bone with the soup for an enhanced smoky taste.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup after cooking.
- Adjust the soup thickness by adding more broth if too thick, or simmering longer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; reheat thoroughly before serving.
Keywords: split pea soup, easy recipe, ham soup, healthy soup, comfort food, stovetop soup
