Introduction

Split pea soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. It’s warm, flavorful, and packed with nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a simple vegetarian option or a rich soup with meat, this recipe has you covered.

This is the best split pea soup recipe because it’s easy to make, delicious, and versatile. You can prepare it with everyday ingredients and customize it to suit your taste. It’s a great choice for a quick family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal.

Split peas are full with essential nutrients, fiber, and protein. They help keep you full and are great for your digestive health. You can pair this delicious soup with either a fresh salad or crusty bread.

If you’ve been searching for a simple and healthy split pea soup recipe, you’re in the right place. Let’s learn together in detail and start getting the cooking going!

Pro for a Perfectly Balanced Split Pea Soup

A bowl of split pea soup garnished with fresh green peas and a swirl of cream, served with a crusty bread roll on a rustic white table. — Warm and hearty split pea soup topped with fresh peas and cream, paired with crusty bread for the perfect meal.

Perfecting split pea soup is easier when you know a few tips and tricks. Follow these ideas to improve your soup making skills.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Split peas not softening: Old peas or hard water can cause this. Use fresh split peas and filtered water. Pre-soaking can also help.
Watery or thick soup: Keep an eye on the liquid. If it’s too watery, simmer longer to thicken. And add more water if it is too thick.

Flavor Enhancements

Add smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke for depth.
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme boost the flavor.
Drizzle olive oil or sprinkle croutons for a finishing touch.

Cooking Variations

Slow cooker method: Add all ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Instant Pot method: Cook everything on high pressure for 15 minutes, then let it naturally release.
Vegan version: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth. Coconut cream is your perfect choice for a dairy-free, rich texture.

By avoiding common mistakes, enhancing flavors, and trying new methods, you can make split pea soup precisely the way you love it.

Here is some other practical advice on mastering the art of simmering and timing, which is essential for creating flavorful soups. Click here to learn more.

How to Serve and Store Split Pea Soup

Two bowls of vibrant split pea soup garnished with fresh green peas and herbs, placed on a checkered napkin with slices of rustic bread, olive oil, and peppercorns on a wooden table. — Delicious and wholesome split pea soup topped with fresh herbs and served with crusty bread – a perfect homemade treat.

Serving and storing pea soup properly ensures you enjoy it fresh and flavorful every time. Here’s how to do it right.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup either with a salad, a toast, or garlic bread.
Add garnishes like chopped parsley, crumbled bacon, or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
For a vegan option, top with a swirl of coconut cream or sprinkle toasted seeds.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerating: Let the soup cool completely before storing. Place it in an appropriate container and put it in the fridge for up to 4 days..
Freezing: Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

Reheat the soup slowly on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add a splash of water or broth to thin the soup if it has thickened.
For small portions, microwave on medium power, stirring every minute until heated through.

By pairing your soup with tasty sides, storing it properly, and reheating it the right way, you’ll always have a delicious bowl of pea soup ready to enjoy!

Ingridients and instructions

A bowl of creamy split pea soup garnished with fresh pea shoots, served with toasted bread slices, fresh peas, and green beans on a wooden cutting board over a dark background.

How to Make the Best Split Pea Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

This hearty split pea soup is a delicious and healthy dish perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients like split peas, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, it’s packed with protein and fiber. You can keep it vegetarian or add a smoky ham hock for extra flavor. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and great for meal prep or a cozy dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Course dinner

Cuisine American, British-Inspired, Dutch, north american, scandinavian, western

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingridients

1 cup split peas green or yellow, rinsed
2 medium carrots diced
2 ribs celery diced
1 medium onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme optional
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingridients

1 small ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked turkey for added flavor
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Rinse split peas under cold water. Soak them if you want faster cooking.
Chop carrots, celery, onions, and garlic into even pieces.

Step 2: Sauté and Build Flavor

In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté onions, garlic, celery, and carrots until soft.
Add spices of your choice, and preferably add things like bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir for a minute.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Add split peas, broth, and optional ingredients like smoked turkey or any meat you choose.
Reduce heat to low as soon as the water start boiling.
Simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are soft and creamy.

Step 4: Blend and Adjust Consistency

Use an immersion blender to make the soup creamy, or leave it chunky.
If the soup is too thick, add some water or broth to reach your desired texture.

Keyword cabbadge and vegetables soup, homemade soup, pea soup, split pea soup

FAQs About Split Pea Soup

Here are answers that you may cross your mind while reading this:

Can I Freeze This Soup?

Yes, you can freeze split pea soup! First be sure that the soup is completely cool. Second, chose the right container and put is in the freezer.

You can reuse it within 3 months maximum. You will have to defrost it first. And second you should reheat it adding water of broth in the process if needed.

Is Split Pea Soup Healthy?

Split pea soup is a healthy choice. It full of nutrition substance, like protein and fiber. Therefore, it is helpful for a healthy digestion, and it is capable of keeping you full for long hours of the day. The soup is naturally low in fat, especially if you skip the meat.

It’s also gluten-free and can be made vegan or vegetarian. Using fresh ingredients and low-sodium broth makes it even healthier.

Why Is My Split Pea Soup Not Thick?

If your soup isn’t thick, it may need more cooking time. So, if this is the case you may need to simmer it longer and stir occasionally to help this process.

You can also mash some of the peas with a spoon or use a blender for a thicker texture. If it’s still too thin, stir in a small amount of cooked mashed potatoes or a cornstarch slurry.

These tips will help you enjoy a hearty and delicious soup every time!

Conclusion

Making split pea soup is simple and rewarding. With just a few steps—prepping ingredients, sautéing for flavor, simmering, and blending—you can create a hearty, comforting meal. Furthermore, the recipe is adjustable to any special taste you may crave.

We hope this step-by-step guide helps you create the best split pea soup. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion. Pair it with crusty bread or your favorite salad for a complete meal.

Now it’s your turn! Please show us your homemade recipe!

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Enjoy your delicious and healthy split pea soup!

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