What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This split pea soup is a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days, and it’s packed with flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
- Easy to make: Just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer—no fancy skills needed!
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you might already have in your pantry.
- Hearty and filling: Loaded with tender peas, veggies, and savory spices for a meal that satisfies.
Recipe
Split pea soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. Made with simple ingredients, this classic soup is both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
1 lb dried green split peas
1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups water or chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse the split peas under cold water and drain.
- In a large pot, combine the split peas, ham bone (or diced ham), onion, carrots, celery, garlic, water or broth, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender.
- Remove the ham bone, shred any meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bay leaf.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes:
For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes. For a smoother texture, blend half the soup before serving.
Equipment:
Large pot, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board.
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
6-8 servings
Nutrition
This homemade split pea soup is a nutritious and hearty dish. The following table provides the nutritional values per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Potassium | 600 mg |
What To Serve With It
When I serve my split pea soup, I love pairing it with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of flavor. A hearty salad with fresh greens, like spinach or kale, also balances the meal perfectly. Together, they make the soup feel like a cozy, complete dinner.
Crusty Bread Pairings
Since there’s nothing better to soak up a hearty bowl of split pea soup than something warm and crusty, I always reach for my favorite loaf of bread to round out the meal. A rustic sourdough or chewy baguette works wonders, their crisp edges perfect for dipping. Sometimes, I’ll toast thick slices of whole grain for extra crunch, or even warm up a buttery garlic bread for a richer bite. No matter the choice, the bread’s texture balances the soup’s creaminess, making each spoonful even more satisfying. Trust me, it’s the little things that turn a simple meal into something special.
Hearty Salad Options
Nothing cuts through the richness of split pea soup like a crisp, hearty salad—it’s my go-to for adding freshness to the meal. I love tossing together baby kale, shredded Brussels sprouts, and crunchy radishes, then topping them with toasted walnuts and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. The bitterness of the greens balances the soup’s creaminess, while the nuts add a satisfying crunch. For something simpler, try romaine with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-garlic dressing. Either way, the contrast makes every bite more exciting. Don’t skip the salad—it’s the perfect sidekick to your cozy bowl of soup.
