Delicious and Easy Best Split Pea Soup Recipe

This soup is a warm hug in a bowl—a symphony of earthy flavors dancing together while your kitchen fills with an inviting aroma. Picture this: velvety green peas mingling with smoky ham hocks and bright herbs create an irresistible combination that makes your taste buds sing. Every spoonful tells a story; it’s like a cozy blanket on a chilly day.

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I remember the first time I tried my grandmother’s split pea soup. As kids, we would gather around her kitchen table, eager to devour that vibrant green goodness. It was our family tradition—cold winter days spent savoring bowls of her legendary recipe while sharing stories and laughter. That memory inspired me to create my own version of the best split pea soup recipe you’ll ever find.

You won’t believe how quickly my family devoured this soul-warming soup; they couldn’t get enough!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Split Peas: Opt for dried green or yellow split peas; rinse them thoroughly before use to ensure optimal texture.
• Onion: Use one large onion for sweetness; sautéing will enhance its flavor beautifully.
• Carrots: Select fresh carrots; they add sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Celery: Fresh celery adds crunch and depth; chop it finely for even cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they infuse the broth with aromatic goodness.
• Smoked Ham Hock: This will impart a rich, smoky flavor; feel free to use leftover ham too!
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is ideal; it enhances flavor significantly compared to store-bought varieties.
• Bay Leaves: These leaves lend a subtle herbal note; don’t forget to remove them before serving.
• Thyme: Fresh thyme elevates the flavor profile; dried thyme works well if that’s what you have.
• Salt and Pepper: Season generously but adjust according to taste as the broth will already contain saltiness from the ham.

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

Let’s Make it Together

The Preparation Stage: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic finely so they cook evenly in the pot.

Sautéing Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté onions until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes—then add garlic for an additional minute until aromatic.

Add Vegetables and Peas: Stir in chopped carrots and celery along with rinsed split peas into the pot. Toss everything together until combined beautifully.

Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in your choice of broth along with bay leaves and thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally—it should smell heavenly!

Add Ham Hock: Nestle in your smoked ham hock (or leftover ham) so it can work its magic during cooking. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low.

Cooking Time: Simmer gently for about 1 hour or until peas are tender—the soup will thicken nicely as it cooks! Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it.

Once ready, remove the ham hock from the pot; shred any meat back into the soup before discarding bones. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

And voilà! You’ve created the best split pea soup recipe that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies alike! Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping—trust me on this one!

Now all that’s left is to enjoy each spoonful of this comforting delight!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding split peas and broth for enhanced flavor. This sequence allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a depth that’s both hearty and delicious.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs or add diced carrots for extra sweetness. A dash of smoked paprika can give it a delightful smoky twist, making your soup uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to restore creaminess.

Cooking this best split pea soup recipe always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter over steaming bowls.

FAQ

What are the health benefits of split pea soup?

Split pea soup is high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it nutritious.

Can I freeze split pea soup?

Absolutely! Freezing it in portions allows you to enjoy it later without losing quality.

How long should I cook split pea soup?

Cook on low for about 1 to 1.5 hours until peas are tender and flavors blend perfectly.

Print

Best Split Pea Soup Recipe

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Savor the warmth of our best split pea soup, featuring tender split peas, smoky ham, and aromatic vegetables—perfect for cozy nights.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup dried green or yellow split peas
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 smoked ham hock (or leftover ham)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients by chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Stir in the carrots, celery, and rinsed split peas. Mix well.
4. Pour in the broth and add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Add the smoked ham hock and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour until peas are tender.
6. Remove the ham hock; shred any meat back into the soup before discarding bones. Adjust seasoning as needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 13g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For added flavor, use homemade broth if possible. Feel free to swap herbs or add smoked paprika for a unique twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze in portions for later enjoyment.