Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup
This split pea soup is a go-to meal that’s simple and satisfying for anyone from busy parents to food enthusiasts. It’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber, helping you feel full and energized after a long day. Plus, you can tweak it to fit various dietary needs, like making it vegan or gluten-free without losing that cozy flavor.
One reason this recipe stands out is how easy it is to put together, taking just about 15 minutes to prep and around 1 hour and 45 minutes total to cook. That makes it ideal for students or working professionals looking for a hearty dinner without much fuss. With ingredients you likely have on hand, it’s a versatile dish that warms you up on chilly evenings.
Health-wise, it’s full of nutrients like vitamins and minerals, supporting digestive health and overall wellness. Imagine enjoying a bowl that’s not only tasty but also helps you meet your daily nutrition goals. Whether you’re a new cook or a seasoned one, this soup brings a comforting touch to any table.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup
- Essential Ingredients for Split Pea Soup
- How to Prepare the Perfect Split Pea Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
- Finishing Touches
- Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Split Pea Soup
- Mastering Split Pea Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
- Storage and Reheating Ideas
- How to Store Split Pea Soup: Best Practices
- FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Split Pea Soup
- Can I make split pea soup without using a ham bone or ham shank?
- How long should I cook split pea soup in a slow cooker?
- What’s the best way to make split pea soup in an Instant Pot?
- How can I store leftover split pea soup safely, and how long does it last?
- What should I do if my split pea soup isn’t thickening as expected?
- Split Pea Soup
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Last Step:
- Notes
- Nutrition
- Did you make this recipe?
Essential Ingredients for Split Pea Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious split pea soup. Below is a complete list based on a classic recipe that serves up to 6 people. I’ve pulled together every item with exact measurements to help you shop and cook with ease.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups yellow onion (about 1 medium)
- 1 1/4 cups celery (about 3 ribs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (1 clove)
- 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 of a meaty ham bone or ham shanks
- 1 cup diced carrots
These ingredients create a balanced soup that’s hearty and flavorful. For special tweaks, like making it vegan, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the ham. This list covers everything you need for a nourishing meal.
How to Prepare the Perfect Split Pea Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started with split pea soup is straightforward and fun, even if you’re new to the kitchen. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add the onion and celery, sautéing for about 3 minutes until they soften. Next, toss in the garlic and cook for another minute to bring out its aroma.
Now, pour in the broth, water, rinsed split peas, bay leaves, thyme, and a bit of salt and pepper. Nestle the ham bone into the mix and bring everything to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer covered for 60 to 80 minutes, stirring now and then until the peas and ham are tender.
Finishing Touches
After simmering, take out the ham and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding or dicing the meat. Keep it covered to stay warm. Add the diced carrots to the pot, cover again, and simmer for about 30 more minutes until the peas break down nicely.
Stir the ham back in and taste to adjust the salt if needed. Serve it warm, maybe with a sprinkle of parsley for extra color. This whole process takes around 2 hours, but the result is worth it for a comforting, homemade meal.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Split Pea Soup
One great thing about split pea soup is how easy it is to adapt for different needs. For example, if you’re looking to swap the main protein, try using lentils or chickpeas instead of split peas for a fresh twist. You can also add diced tofu for more plant-based options in vegan versions.
When it comes to veggies and flavors, swap out carrots for sweet potatoes to make it creamier, or use vegetable broth if you’re avoiding meat. Spices like smoked paprika can add a kick, and for low-sodium diets, go easy on the salt. These changes keep the soup tasty while fitting your preferences.
- Protein swaps: Use lentils or chickpeas for variety
- Veggie ideas: Try sweet potatoes for sweetness
- Broth options: Vegetable broth for vegan diets
- Spice tweaks: Add cumin or ginger for extra flavor
Mastering Split Pea Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
Taking your split pea soup to the next level is simple with a few smart tricks. For instance, soak the split peas overnight to cut down cooking time and make them easier to digest. If you’re in a rush, a pressure cooker works wonders, cooking everything in just 15 minutes after sautéing the veggies. For a fun pairing, try a refreshing drink recipe to go with your soup on special occasions.
Add yellow or red potatoes along with the carrots for extra heartiness and texture. If the soup is too thin, simmer it uncovered for 20-30 minutes to thicken it up. Another tip is to add most of the shredded ham after cooking the bone to keep it moist and tender try smoked ham hocks for that smoky taste.
Storage and Reheating Ideas
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for 3 months, leaving space in the container for expansion. When reheating, thin it out with a little water to get the right consistency. For alternative methods, use a crockpot on low for 7-8 hours with 2 cups of water, or an Instant Pot for quick results.
This approach not only saves time but also lets you experiment with flavors, like adding fresh herbs or coconut milk for creaminess. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting, these variations make the soup even more versatile.
How to Store Split Pea Soup: Best Practices
Keeping your split pea soup fresh is key to enjoying it later. Pop the cooled soup into airtight containers and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Always give it a good stir before warming it up to keep the texture just right.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving room for it to expand, and it can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up without boiling.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 4 days | Stir before reheating |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Leave space in containers |
Meal prepping with this method means you can have healthy meals ready anytime, perfect for busy schedules.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Split Pea Soup
Can I make split pea soup without using a ham bone or ham shank?
Yes, you can make split pea soup without a ham bone or shank by using leftover ham instead. To keep the soup flavorful, substitute the water with unsalted chicken broth or vegetable broth for added depth. Adding diced ham toward the end of cooking helps retain its texture. The soup will have less smokiness compared to using a ham bone but will still be delicious and hearty.
How long should I cook split pea soup in a slow cooker?
When making split pea soup in a slow cooker, set it to low and cook for 7 to 8 hours. Use about 2 cups of water along with your broth, and add all ingredients except fresh herbs late in the cooking process. Remove any ham bone before shredding the meat and returning it to the slow cooker. This low and slow method results in tender peas and rich flavors.
What’s the best way to make split pea soup in an Instant Pot?
To make split pea soup in an Instant Pot, start by using the sauté function to soften onions, celery, and garlic in a bit of oil. Add split peas, broth, water, carrots, herbs, and a ham bone or diced ham. Seal the lid and cook on manual high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before quick releasing the rest. Shred the ham and stir it in before serving for a comforting meal.
How can I store leftover split pea soup safely, and how long does it last?
Store leftover split pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days. The soup tends to thicken as it cools, so add a little water or broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency. For longer storage, freeze the soup in airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion, and use within 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What should I do if my split pea soup isn’t thickening as expected?
If your split pea soup is too thin, simmer it uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked peas with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender to thicken the soup while keeping a creamy texture. Adjust seasoning after thickening as flavors will concentrate.
Split Pea Soup
🥣 This Split Pea Soup recipe is comforting and hearty, perfect for warming up on chilly days with wholesome ingredients.
🍲 Packed with protein and fiber, it’s an easy-to-make meal that nourishes and satisfies.
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 1/2 cups yellow onion (about 1 medium)
– 1 1/4 cups celery (about 3 ribs)
– 1 teaspoon garlic (1 clove)
– 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 of a meaty ham bone or ham shanks
– 1 cup diced carrots
Instructions
1-Getting started with split pea soup is straightforward and fun, even if you’re new to the kitchen: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add the onion and celery, sautéing for about 3 minutes until they soften. Next, toss in the garlic and cook for another minute to bring out its aroma.
2-Now, pour in the broth, water, rinsed split peas, bay leaves, thyme, and a bit of salt and pepper: Nestle the ham bone into the mix and bring everything to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer covered for 60 to 80 minutes, stirring now and then until the peas and ham are tender.
3-Finishing Touches: After simmering, take out the ham and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding or dicing the meat. Keep it covered to stay warm. Add the diced carrots to the pot, cover again, and simmer for about 30 more minutes until the peas break down nicely.
4-Stir the ham back in and taste to adjust the salt if needed. Serve it warm, maybe with a sprinkle of parsley for extra color. This whole process takes around 2 hours, but the result is worth it for a comforting, homemade meal.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍠 Add diced yellow or red potatoes with carrots for a heartier soup.
🔥 To thicken soup, simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes.
❄️ When reheating, thin soup with water as needed for desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Simmering Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-free
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
