This Split Pea Soup Recipe is a comforting classic that combines thick, creamy goodness with hearty vegetables and tender chicken ham. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Its versatility makes it suitable for casual family dinners or special gatherings, while the rich flavors will impress guests and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Hearty: Each bowl is packed with rich flavors from spices and veggies, making it a fulfilling meal.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this soup comes together effortlessly.
- Nutritious Ingredients: The combination of split peas and vegetables provides a healthy dose of fiber and protein.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or paired with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch in advance; this soup keeps well in the fridge or freezes beautifully.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Split Pea Soup Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Preparing your ingredients beforehand will help streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot (5.5 quart or larger)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heat distribution, preventing the soup from sticking to the bottom.
- Blender: Ideal for achieving that creamy texture by pureeing part of the soup, adding richness.
Ingredients
This Split Pea Soup Recipe is thick, creamy, and packed with veggies, split peas, and tender chicken ham—humble-looking but bursting with flavor!
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups finely diced onion (2 medium onions)
- 1 cup finely diced carrot (2 to 3 large carrots)
- 1 cup finely diced celery (3 to 4 stalks)
- Salt and pepper
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (4 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Main Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups green split peas (rinsed; old split peas may not soften)
- 2 small bay leaves (or 1 large)
- 1 meaty chicken ham bone (or chicken ham hocks; plus more chicken ham if desired)
- 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
For Garnish
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Hearty buttered bread (for serving)
How to Make Split Pea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until the vegetables are softened and the onion turns golden brown, about 5–8 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for about 1 minute before adding the rinsed split peas.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Add the chicken ham bone, bay leaf, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 60–90 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the split peas are soft and your soup reaches your desired thickness.
Step 3: Prepare Chicken Ham
When it’s time to serve, remove the chicken ham bone from the pot. Shred off any meat from the bone before discarding it along with any excess fat. Return shredded chicken ham back into the soup. If you wish for more meat in your soup, consider adding additional chopped chicken ham at this stage.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess
Remove two cups of soup from the pot and blend until smooth using either an immersion blender or a countertop blender. Return this blended mixture back into the pot and stir well. Taste your soup one last time to adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Serve with hearty buttered bread on the side along with a sprinkle of pepper and fresh thyme leaves if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of split pea soup!
How to Serve Split Pea Soup Recipe
Serving split pea soup is a delightful experience, and there are several ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner or hosting friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
With Hearty Bread
- Sourdough Bread – The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the creaminess of the soup perfectly.
- Garlic Bread – A warm, buttery garlic bread brings an aromatic touch that pairs well with the soup’s richness.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – This bright green herb adds freshness and color to your bowl.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves – A sprinkle of thyme enhances the earthy flavors of the split peas.
Adding a Protein Boost
- Shredded Chicken Ham – Stirring in extra shredded chicken ham offers additional protein and heartiness.
- Crumbled Bacon – For those who enjoy a smoky flavor, crispy bacon bits provide a delightful crunch.
Serving with Salad
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette balances the heaviness of the soup.
- Caesar Salad – The creamy dressing of Caesar salad pairs nicely with split pea soup’s texture.
How to Perfect Split Pea Soup Recipe
Perfecting your split pea soup can take it from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure your recipe shines.
- Use Fresh Split Peas – Old or stale peas may not soften properly; always opt for fresh ones for best results.
- Adjust Consistency – If your soup thickens too much while cooking, simply add more broth to reach your preferred texture.
- Blend for Creaminess – Blending part of the soup creates a velvety consistency that enhances mouthfeel.
- Season Generously – Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper toward the end for optimal flavor balance.
- Let It Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for a bit after cooking lets flavors develop more fully, making it even tastier.
Best Side Dishes for Split Pea Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your split pea soup can make for a satisfying meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Classic comfort food that melts deliciously alongside warm soup.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread adds a hint of sweetness that complements savory flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies bring color and nutrition; toss them with olive oil and herbs before roasting.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy wedges seasoned with herbs provide delightful crunch and heartiness.
- Spinach Salad – A fresh spinach salad topped with nuts or seeds offers a nutritious contrast.
- Stuffed Peppers – These can be filled with rice, beans, or meat for a hearty side that pairs well with pea soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Split Pea Soup Recipe, avoiding common pitfalls will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Using old split peas: Old split peas may not soften properly during cooking. Always check the packaging date and use fresh split peas for the best results.
- Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing vegetables enhances their flavors. Don’t skip this step; it creates a rich base for your soup.
- Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process to build flavor.
- Overcooking the soup: Cooking too long can result in mushy peas. Keep an eye on the time and check for desired thickness around 60 minutes.
- Neglecting to blend: Blending part of the soup adds creaminess. If you prefer a thicker consistency, be sure to blend some before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until hot.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls. Cover loosely and heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add broth if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Split Pea Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat for a vegetarian version.
How long does this Split Pea Soup Recipe last in the fridge?
The soup lasts up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I add other vegetables to my Split Pea Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like potatoes, spinach, or bell peppers according to your taste preferences.
What can I serve with Split Pea Soup Recipe?
This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal.
How do I adjust the thickness of my Split Pea Soup Recipe?
To thicken it, blend part of the soup. If too thick, simply stir in a bit of broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Split Pea Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients or spices, making it uniquely yours. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of warmth!
Split Pea Soup Recipe
This comforting Split Pea Soup Recipe is a nourishing classic that brings warmth to your table. Combining thick, creamy split peas with tender chicken ham and hearty vegetables, this dish is perfect for chilly evenings. It’s versatile enough for casual family dinners or special gatherings, impressing both guests and loved ones with its rich flavors. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a perfect choice for meal prep or cozy weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups finely diced onion
- 1 cup finely diced carrot
- 1 cup finely diced celery
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1–1/2 cups green split peas (rinsed)
- 2 small bay leaves
- 1 meaty chicken ham bone
- 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5–8 minutes). Add garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin, thyme, and red pepper flakes; cook for another minute.
- Stir in rinsed split peas, bay leaves, chicken ham bone, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 60–90 minutes until peas are soft.
- Remove the ham bone, shred meat back into soup. Optionally blend part of the soup for creaminess before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use fresh split peas for the best results. Adjust the thickness by blending some of the soup or adding more broth. Customize with additional vegetables or spices based on preference.
