Split Pea Soup Recipe with Simple Ingredients and Comforting Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup

When it comes to hearty meals that warm you up on a cool day, this split pea soup stands out as a favorite. It offers ease of preparation that makes it perfect for busy weeknights, using simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Plus, it’s packed with health benefits like fiber and protein that keep you feeling full and energized all day long.

This recipe shines with its versatility, easily adapting to various dietary needs whether you’re going vegan or watching calories. The comforting flavor comes from the natural earthiness of split peas blended with herbs and seasonings, creating a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. On my blog, we focus on recipes like this one to help home cooks, busy parents, and everyone in between enjoy meals that are simple and full of joy.

For those new to cooking, split pea soup is a great starting point because it’s forgiving and flexible. You can tweak it with what you have in the kitchen, like adding extra veggies for more nutrition. Health experts note that beans and peas, such as split peas, are excellent sources of plant-based protein, which ties into our blog’s mission of inspiring everyday cooks to create memorable meals.

Imagine coming home after a long day and having a pot of this soup ready to go it’s that kind of reliable comfort food. Busy parents and working professionals will appreciate how it fits into meal prep routines without much fuss. With options for different diets, it’s a recipe that brings people together around the table, just like Ruby Bennett shares in her posts on our best soup recipes.

The blend of flavors in this split pea soup creates a rich, satisfying taste that feels like a hug in a bowl. Diet-conscious individuals will love the high fiber content that supports digestive health, while food enthusiasts can experiment with variations. All in all, this split pea soup is more than just a recipe it’s a go-to for creating those special moments at home.

Health Benefits in Detail

Let’s dive deeper into why split pea soup is so good for you. Each serving delivers a solid dose of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps blood sugar levels steady, making it ideal for busy parents or seniors managing their health. The protein from the peas and ham provides lasting energy, perfect for students or working professionals on the go.

Vegetables like carrots and celery add essential vitamins, boosting your immune system and overall wellness. Food enthusiasts might enjoy how this soup aligns with a balanced diet, offering nutrients without the guilt. On our blog at kitchencooking.net, we often highlight recipes that support healthy eating while keeping things tasty and approachable.

For travelers or newlyweds setting up a kitchen, this soup is easy to adapt with what’s available. Baking enthusiasts can even pair it with homemade bread for a complete meal. The result is a dish that’s not only nutritious but also versatile enough for any lifestyle.

Essential Ingredients for Split Pea Soup

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a great split pea soup. This section lists everything you need to get started, ensuring your soup turns out flavorful and hearty. We’ll use the precise measurements from our tested recipe to help you measure accurately.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter as a substitute)
• 1 medium yellow onion, about 1 1/2 cups, diced
• 3 ribs celery, about 1 1/4 cups, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4 cups unsalted chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 1 (16 oz) bag dried split peas, picked over and rinsed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 pounds meaty ham bone or ham shanks
• 1 cup diced carrots
• Parsley for garnish (optional)

These ingredients form the base of a comforting split pea soup that’s simple yet packed with flavor. For special dietary options, you can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegan or ensure all seasonings are gluten-free. Home cooks will find this list straightforward, helping busy parents and students whip up a meal quickly.

Why These Ingredients Work

Each item plays a role in building the soup’s rich taste and texture. The olive oil or butter adds a subtle base flavor, while onions, celery, and garlic create that essential aromatic foundation. Split peas bring creaminess and nutrition, making this recipe a hit for diet-conscious folks.

As mentioned in our blog’s mission, recipes like this use accessible items to inspire cooking joy. For more ideas on simple ingredients, check out easy vegetarian options on our site.

How to Prepare the Perfect Split Pea Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Making split pea soup is easier than you think, and this guide walks you through each step. Start by heating your ingredients in a large pot for the best results. Follow along to create a soup that’s full of comforting flavor.

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and celery; sauté for 3 minutes. Then add garlic and sauté for 1 additional minute.
2. Pour in chicken broth and water. Add split peas, bay leaves, thyme, and lightly season with salt and pepper remember to hold back on salt if your ham is salty.
3. Add the ham bone to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 60 to 80 minutes until the peas and ham are tender.
4. Remove the ham from the pot, set aside to rest for 10 minutes, then shred or dice the meat. Cover and keep the meat aside while you continue.
5. Add diced carrots to the pot, cover, and continue to simmer for about 30 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas mostly break down.
6. Stir shredded ham back into the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve warm, garnished with parsley if desired.

This method takes about 2 hours total, with 15 minutes for prep and roughly 1 hour 45 minutes for cooking. It’s a straightforward process that fits into the routines of working professionals or seniors looking for easy meals. For nutrition details, see the table below that breaks down the values per serving.

Additional Tips for Success

To make the soup even heartier, toss in yellow or red potatoes along with the carrots. If it doesn’t thicken as you’d like, simmer uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes to reduce the liquid. Remember, the soup thickens when it cools, so add a bit of water if needed before serving. It’s all about making this recipe work for your family’s tastes.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Split Pea Soup

One of the best parts of split pea soup is how easy it is to tweak for different diets. Whether you’re adding protein or swapping veggies, these changes keep the soup delicious. For example, for more protein, try cooked ham or even tofu for a vegan twist.

You can replace split peas with yellow lentils for a fresh texture, or use sweet potatoes instead of carrots for a seasonal flavor. Adjusting seasonings like smoked paprika can make it your own. This flexibility helps busy parents and diet-conscious readers adapt meals easily.

Mastering Split Pea Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basic recipe, try some advanced techniques to elevate your split pea soup. Sauté vegetables longer for a deeper, caramelized flavor that adds richness to every bite. Experiment with flavor variations like adding coconut milk for creaminess or swapping thyme for rosemary.

Presentation matters too top your soup with crispy bacon bits or fresh parsley for a nice touch. For make-ahead options, prepare it the day before to let the flavors blend, then store it for quick meals. These tips are perfect for food enthusiasts looking to refine their skills.

Alternative Cooking Methods

If you prefer other methods, try the Crockpot approach: Use 2 cups water instead of 4 cups, combine all ingredients except parsley in a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker, and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the veggies, then add the rest and pressure cook for 15 minutes. Learn more about the health benefits of carrots in this carrots nutrition guide.

How to Store Split Pea Soup: Best Practices

Storing your split pea soup properly keeps it fresh and tasty for later. Refrigerate it in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months in portioned sizes. When reheating, add a little water to get the right consistency, making it ideal for meal prep.

This method helps working professionals and families save time during the week. Remember, the soup thickens when cold, so adjust as needed. For more storage tips, check out similar advice on our blog.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup

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🥣 Enjoy a hearty and nutritious meal with this comforting Split Pea Soup that’s packed with protein and fiber.
🍲 Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for cozying up on a chilly day.

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter as a substitute)

– 1 medium yellow onion, about 1 1/2 cups, diced

– 3 ribs celery, about 1 1/4 cups, diced

– 1 clove garlic, minced

– 4 cups unsalted chicken broth

– 4 cups water

– 1 (16 oz) bag dried split peas, picked over and rinsed

– 2 bay leaves

– 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 1/2 pounds meaty ham bone or ham shanks

– 1 cup diced carrots

– Parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1-Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and celery; sauté for 3 minutes. Then add garlic and sauté for 1 additional minute.

2-Pour in chicken broth and water. Add split peas, bay leaves, thyme, and lightly season with salt and pepper remember to hold back on salt if your ham is salty.

3-Add the ham bone to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 60 to 80 minutes until the peas and ham are tender.

4-Remove the ham from the pot, set aside to rest for 10 minutes, then shred or dice the meat. Cover and keep the meat aside while you continue.

5-Add diced carrots to the pot, cover, and continue to simmer for about 30 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas mostly break down.

6-Stir shredded ham back into the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve warm, garnished with parsley if desired.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥔 Add yellow or red potatoes with carrots for a heartier soup.
⏳ Simmer uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes to thicken if desired.
❄️ Soup thickens when cold; thin with water before serving if needed.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 9.35 g
• Sodium: 202 mg
• Fat: 7.64 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54.24 g
• Fiber: 20.96 g
• Protein: 43.24 g
• Cholesterol: 66.67 mg