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Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe

4.7 from 53 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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 (23 carrots)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (24 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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