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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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, British-Inspired, Dutch, north american, scandinavian, western
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method

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

Method
 

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
  1. Rinse split peas under cold water. Soak them if you want faster cooking.
  2. Chop carrots, celery, onions, and garlic into even pieces.
Step 2: Sauté and Build Flavor
  1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onions, garlic, celery, and carrots until soft.
  3. 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
  1. Add split peas, broth, and optional ingredients like smoked turkey or any meat you choose.
  2. Reduce heat to low as soon as the water start boiling.
  3. Simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are soft and creamy.
Step 4: Blend and Adjust Consistency
  1. Use an immersion blender to make the soup creamy, or leave it chunky.
  2. If the soup is too thick, add some water or broth to reach your desired texture.