Oh, there’s just nothing like a big bowl of split pea soup on a chilly day, is there? Seriously, it’s like a warm hug from the inside out! This soup is a total classic, and for good reason. I remember my grandma making it every winter – the smell would fill the whole house, and it just screamed “comfort food!” This recipe? It’s my take on that classic, but I’ve made it super easy so you can whip it up any night of the week. Don’t let “soup” intimidate you, this one’s a breeze. And trust me, the flavor? It’s outta this world!
Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup
- It’s packed with flavor, seriously!
- Super easy to throw together – weeknight dinner win!
- It’s actually good for you, loaded with fiber and protein.
- Won’t break the bank, split peas are cheap as chips!
Hearty and Flavorful
This isn’t some wimpy soup, folks! We’re talking deep, savory flavor from the ham bone and a lovely smoky thing going on. It’s so satisfying, it’s a whole meal in a bowl, really!
Easy to Make
Don’t let soup intimidate you! Chop a few veggies, toss everything in a pot, and let it simmer. Seriously, it’s mostly hands-off time, and the whole thing is ready in under an hour and a half.
Budget-Friendly Meal
Split peas are one of the cheapest things you can buy! You get a huge pot of soup for just a few dollars. Plus, it makes a TON, so leftovers are your friend (and lunch for days!).
Ingredients for Split Pea Soup
Okay, so here’s what you’ll need. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have! The key is good quality ingredients – makes all the difference, trust me!
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – for sautéing those veggies!
- 1 medium onion, diced – don’t skimp!
- 3 carrots, diced – adds a touch of sweetness.
- 3 ribs of celery, diced – that classic soup base!
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – gotta have that garlic punch!
- 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed – the star of the show!
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – trust me on this one!
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – season to taste, of course!
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – adds a little zing!
- 1 bay leaf – don’t forget to take it out later!
- 1 meaty ham bone – this is where the magic happens!
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – you can use regular, but I like to control the salt!
- 3 to 4 cups water – we’ll adjust as we go!
- 1 cup diced ham – for that extra meaty goodness!
- finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish – makes it look fancy!
How to Make Split Pea Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, ready to get cooking? Don’t stress, it’s way easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious split pea soup bubbling away in no time. My favorite part? The simmering – that’s when all the flavors really come together. Mmm!
Preparing the Vegetables
First, grab your biggest pot and drizzle in that olive oil. Get it over medium-high heat, then toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. We’re gonna sauté these for about 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften up. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute – careful not to burn it!
Simmering the Split Pea Soup
Okay, now the fun part! Add your rinsed split peas, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot and give it a good stir. Then, toss in that bay leaf, ham bone, chicken broth, and 3 cups of water. Crank up the heat and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 50-60 minutes. You’ll want to stir it every now and then, just to make sure nothing’s sticking to the bottom.
Adding the Ham
Carefully remove the ham bone from the soup (it’ll be hot, so be careful!). Let it cool for a few minutes, then shred or dice the meat – you should get about a cup. Add that yummy ham back into the soup. This is where the real flavor party starts!
Finishing the Split Pea Soup
Simmer the soup uncovered for another 5-15 minutes, or until it’s thickened to your liking. If it gets too thick, just add a little more water. Now, grab a bowl, ladle in that gorgeous soup, and garnish with some fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna take your split pea soup to the next level? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that’ll make it AMAZING. Trust me, these little things make a huge difference!
- Soaking the peas? Nah, don’t bother! This recipe’s designed for un-soaked peas, easy peasy!
- Good broth is key! Seriously, splurge on the good stuff. It’s worth it.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings! Taste as you go, and add more salt, pepper, or thyme to your liking.
Variations of Split Pea Soup
Okay, so you’ve made the classic, now wanna get a little crazy? This split pea soup recipe is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment a bit! You can swap out veggies, add different spices, or even change up the protein. It’s all about making it your own, ya know?
Vegetarian Split Pea Soup
Wanna skip the ham? No problem! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. And to get that smoky flavor? A pinch of smoked paprika works wonders! It’s so good, you won’t even miss the meat!
Spicy Split Pea Soup
Feeling a little fiery? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. Start small, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! It adds such a nice kick!
Serving Suggestions for Split Pea Soup
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing pot of split pea soup, but what do you serve with it? Honestly, it’s pretty darn good on its own, but a little something on the side never hurts! I’m a big fan of crusty bread for dipping, or a simple grilled cheese sandwich. A side salad works great too, for a little freshness!
Storing and Reheating Instructions for Split Pea Soup
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This split pea soup is even better the next day, seriously! Just let it cool down a bit, then pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Reheating? Just nuke it in the microwave or warm it up on the stovetop. Easy peasy!
Split Pea Soup FAQs
Got questions about making the best split pea soup? I got you! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me. Don’t worry, there are no silly questions here – we all start somewhere, right? Let’s get you on your way to split pea soup mastery!
Can I freeze Split Pea Soup?
Absolutely! Split pea soup freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then pop it in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for a couple of months, easy. Perfect for those days when you just don’t feel like cooking!
Do I need to soak the split peas before making Split Pea Soup?
Nope! This recipe is designed for un-soaked split peas. One less step, hooray! Just give ’em a good rinse before you toss ’em in the pot, and you’re good to go. Seriously, who has time to soak peas?
How can I thicken my Split Pea Soup?
If your split pea soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, just simmer it uncovered for a bit longer. The liquid will evaporate, and the soup will naturally thicken up. You can also mash some of the peas with a fork or immersion blender for extra creaminess. Careful, that stuff is HOT!
Nutritional Information for Split Pea Soup
Okay, so here’s the deal: nutrition info can vary a LOT based on the brands you use, so this is just a general estimate, okay? Don’t come at me if it’s slightly off!
Enjoy Your Homemade Split Pea Soup!
Alright, that’s it! Now go enjoy that amazing split pea soup you just made! And hey, if you loved it, leave a comment below or give the recipe a rating. I’d love to hear what you think!
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Split Pea Soup: Grandma’s Comfort, Ready in 90 Minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Comforting split pea soup with vegetables and ham.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 ribs of celery, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 meaty ham bone
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 to 4 cups water
- 1 cup diced ham
- finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and saute for 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and saute for another minute.
- Add split peas, thyme, salt, and pepper and stir.
- Add bay leaf, ham bone, chicken broth, and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 50 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soup has thickened.
- Remove the ham bone, dice the meat (about 1 cup), add it back to the soup. Simmer uncovered for 5 to 15 minutes, or until thickened. If too thick, add another cup of water.
- Discard bay leaf, ladle soup into bowls, and garnish with parsley and black pepper.
Notes
- Soup will thicken as it sits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
