Ultimate Split Pea Soup Recipe: Cozy & Delicious Comfort Food

The aroma of split pea soup wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine a bowl filled with velvety green goodness, seasoned to perfection, and topped with crispy croutons that crumble delightfully at first bite. This split pea soup recipe is not just food; it’s a comforting embrace for your taste buds.

Every spoonful tells a story of cozy evenings spent around the dinner table, laughter echoing as family and friends gather to enjoy this hearty dish. Whether you need something warm after a long day or want to impress guests at your next dinner party, this soup is the perfect companion for every occasion.

I remember the first time I made this soup for my family; they couldn’t believe I had whipped up such a delicious dish so quickly!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Split Peas: Use dried green or yellow split peas; they cook evenly and add that signature creamy texture.

• Carrots: Fresh, sweet carrots provide natural sweetness and color; chop them into small pieces for even cooking.

• Celery: Adds a crunchy texture and aromatic flavor; choose firm stalks for the best results.

• Onion: A must-have for flavor; sauté until translucent to release its natural sweetness.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth; don’t be shy—garlic makes everything better!

• Smoked Ham Hock: This is your secret weapon for rich, smoky flavor; feel free to use diced ham if preferred.

• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium options so you can control the saltiness in your soup.

• Dried Thyme: A sprinkle of thyme brings an earthy aroma that perfectly complements the peas.

• Bay Leaves: These add subtle depth; remember to remove them before serving!

• Pepper and Salt: Adjust according to your taste—freshly cracked black pepper adds a lovely kick!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté Your Aromatics: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and sweet-smelling.

Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic along with dried thyme and bay leaves. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—your kitchen will smell divine!

Add Split Peas and Broth: Pour in rinsed split peas along with vegetable broth or chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.

Add Ham Hock for Flavor!: Toss in your smoked ham hock (or diced ham) into the bubbling pot. Let it simmer gently for 30 minutes until the peas break down into creamy goodness.

Blend It Up (If You Like): For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer batches to a blender carefully. Just watch out—hot soup splatters can cause chaos!

Season & Serve!: Remove bay leaves before serving! Taste test your masterpiece and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls, top with croutons or fresh herbs, and enjoy!

This delightful split pea soup is sure to become a family favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add split peas and broth for a rich flavor. Simmer until peas are tender, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add Your Touch

Swap in veggies like carrots or celery for extra crunch or add smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Fresh herbs can brighten up the dish beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding water if it thickens too much.

Sharing my first attempt at making this split pea soup brought laughter as I accidentally added way too much salt! My family’s reactions were priceless; now we laugh about it every time I whip up a batch.

FAQ

Can I use dried split peas instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried split peas are ideal and often used in traditional recipes.

How long does it take to cook split pea soup?

It typically takes about 30-40 minutes to cook until the peas are tender.

Can I freeze split pea soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Just ensure it’s cooled before storing in airtight containers.