There’s just something about a big pot of soup simmering on the stove, isn’t there? And when the weather’s chilly, or you just need a hug in a bowl, nothing beats a good, old-fashioned Split Pea Soup. This isn’t just any soup, though. This is the *easy* and *flavorful* kind that warms you from the inside out. I swear, it reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen – always a pot bubbling away, filling the house with that incredible, smoky aroma. Seriously, I think I could live on this stuff! It’s total comfort food, but without all the fuss. You gotta try it!

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Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup

Okay, so why *this* Split Pea Soup? Trust me, you’re gonna love it. It’s:

Quick to prep – seriously, minimal chopping!
So easy to cook, you can practically set it and forget it.
Bursting with flavor – that smoky ham *really* makes a difference.

Hearty and Comforting

This soup is like a warm blanket for your insides. It’s just so satisfying and fills you right up. You’ll feel good after a bowl, promise!

Perfect for Cold Days

Seriously, when it’s freezing outside? This is *the* soup to make. It’ll warm you up in no time.

Easy to Make

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a chef to make this! It’s mostly just chopping veggies and letting everything simmer. Super simple!

Packed with Flavor

The savory broth, the smoky ham, the sweet carrots… it all comes together in a flavor explosion. It’s not bland, that’s for sure!

Ingredients for Delicious Split Pea Soup

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This isn’t one of those recipes with a million obscure things you can’t find. We’re talking simple, easy-to-find stuff. You’ll need butter (the *real* kind, please!), one medium yellow onion – diced, of course – three stalks of celery, also diced, and three medium carrots, peeled and sliced or diced (your call!). Don’t forget a couple of bay leaves, a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Then, the stars of the show: two cups of dried green split peas and six cups of low sodium chicken or vegetable broth. And for that amazing smoky flavor? A smoked ham hock or ham bone – or, if you’re in a pinch, a quarter teaspoon of smoked paprika. Easy peasy!

Key Ingredients for Split Pea Soup Flavor

Okay, so the ham hock (or bone) is *crucial* for that smoky depth. And if you can’t find one? Smoked paprika is your friend! It adds that same deliciousness, promise.

Ingredient Substitutions for Split Pea Soup

Don’t have chicken broth? Vegetable broth works just fine! And if you’re not feeling ham, try smoked turkey or even bacon! Just adjust the salt if you’re using bacon, okay?

How to Make Split Pea Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of amazing Split Pea Soup in no time. Promise!

Preparing the Base for Your Split Pea Soup

First, melt the butter in a big pot over medium heat. Then, toss in your diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook ’em until the onions are nice and soft – that’s when you know they’re ready. Next, add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to get all those flavors going!

Simmering the Split Pea Soup to Perfection

Now, add the split peas and stir to coat them in all that veggie goodness. Pour in the broth and add your ham hock (or smoked paprika, if you’re using it). Bring it all to a boil, then turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for an hour. Check on it every now and then! If it’s getting too thick, just add a little more broth or water – easy peasy!

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Adding the Ham and Finishing Your Split Pea Soup

After about an hour (or maybe a bit longer – until the peas are super soft), it’s time to add the ham! If you used a ham hock or bone, take it out of the pot with tongs and let it cool slightly. Then, shred the meat and stir it back into the soup. Discard the bones and any skin – we don’t need those! Taste the soup and season with more salt and pepper if it needs it. And if you want a smokier flavor, add a bit more smoked paprika. Finally, remove those bay leaves before serving – nobody wants to bite into one of those!

Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but what about taking your Split Pea Soup to the *next level*? Here are a couple of my go-to tricks. Trust me, they make all the difference!

Achieving the Perfect Consistency for Split Pea Soup

Too thick? Add more broth! Too thin? Simmer it uncovered for a bit longer. Easy peasy, right? You want it to be spoon-coating, not watery.

Enhancing the Flavor of Your Split Pea Soup

Good broth is key! Also, don’t be shy with the herbs. A little extra thyme or even some fresh parsley at the end? *Chef’s kiss!*

Variations on the Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

Okay, so you’ve made the classic. Now what? Let’s get a little crazy! This soup is *so* versatile. You can totally play around with the flavors and make it your own. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started!

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

No ham? No problem! Just skip it! Use vegetable broth, and maybe add a splash of smoked soy sauce for that smoky thing. So good, you won’t even miss the meat!

Spicy Split Pea Soup

Feeling a little fiery? Toss in a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper! Start small, though – you can always add more, but you can’t take it out! Whoa, spicy!

Serving Suggestions for Your Split Pea Soup

Alright, you’ve got a pot of amazing Split Pea Soup… now what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a couple of my favorite pairings. Simple, but oh-so-good!

Bread and Split Pea Soup

Seriously, you *need* some crusty bread or rolls for dipping. It’s the perfect way to soak up all that delicious broth. Trust me!

Salad and Split Pea Soup

Want something a little lighter? A simple green salad with a vinaigrette is perfect. It cuts through the richness of the soup. Yum!

Storing and Reheating Instructions for Split Pea Soup

Made a big batch? Awesome! Split Pea Soup is even better the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh and reheat it like a pro!

How to Store Leftover Split Pea Soup

Just let it cool down, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3 days – if it lasts that long!

Reheating Split Pea Soup

You can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, or zap it in the microwave. Just add a splash of broth or water if it’s gotten too thick. Easy!

Common Questions About Split Pea Soup

Got questions about making the *best* Split Pea Soup ever? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. Let’s get cooking!

Do I need to soak the split peas before making Split Pea Soup?

Nope, you totally don’t *have* to! But, soaking them for a few hours (or even overnight) can help them cook a bit faster. It’s not a huge deal, though, so don’t stress if you forget!

Can I make Split Pea Soup in a slow cooker?

You betcha! Just toss everything in your slow cooker, give it a stir, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Seriously, it’s the easiest thing ever! Just make sure you’ve got enough broth to cover everything.

How long does Split Pea Soup last?

In the fridge, it’s good for about 3 days. But honestly, it never lasts that long in my house! You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it out completely before reheating, okay?

Nutritional Information for Split Pea Soup

Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutrition, right? Here’s a rough estimate of what you’re looking at per serving: Calories, fat, protein, carbs… the usual suspects. Just remember, it’s an *estimate*, okay? It can vary!

Enjoy Your Homemade Split Pea Soup!

There you have it! Now go make some Split Pea Soup and tell me what you think! Leave a comment or rate the recipe – I wanna know!