Easy 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.
- Author: zara
- 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
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
- 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