Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe: Heartwarming Comfort in a Bowl

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my mind whenever I whip up this hearty classic split pea soup.

Warm, comforting aromas fill the room as green legumes simmer gently in a rich broth.

Thick and creamy textures promise a soul-satisfying meal that speaks to simple culinary pleasures.

Each spoonful carries hints of smoky ham and tender vegetables, creating a rustic experience that transcends ordinary soups.

Nourishing ingredients blend seamlessly, transforming basic pantry staples into something magical.

Winter afternoons feel instantly cozier with this perfect one-pot wonder.

Grab a ladle and let’s make something delicious that’ll warm you from the inside out.

Why Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe Feels Like Home

• Savor Hearty Vegetable Warmth: This soup packs a delicious medley of onions, carrots, and celery that create a rich, comforting base loaded with nutrition and flavor.
• Quick and Simple Cooking: The recipe requires just one pot and basic techniques like sautéing, making it perfect for home cooks who want an easy, stress-free meal that takes under 15 minutes to prepare.
• Nutritious Flavor Boost: Adding garlic, thyme, and optional smoked paprika transforms simple vegetables into an aromatic and deeply satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.
• Adaptable Weeknight Wonder: This soup welcomes creative twists like adding ham, bacon, or keeping it vegetarian, making it versatile for different dietary preferences and an excellent solution for busy families seeking a wholesome meal.

What Goes In Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

Main Ingredients:

Split Peas: A hearty legume that provides the soup’s signature green color and creamy texture, with a rich, earthy flavor profile.

Chicken or Vegetable Stock: The liquid base that adds depth and enhances the overall taste of the soup, choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that builds a deep flavor foundation, known as mirepoix in culinary terms.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and warm flavor that complements the split peas perfectly.

• Thyme: A fragrant herb that brings a subtle, earthy note to the soup.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient that adds a smoky depth and warmth to the soup.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing vegetables and developing initial flavors, choose based on dietary preference or desired taste.

Steps To Make Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Base

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. The goal is to create a flavorful foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Gently cook these vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and start to release their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Minced garlic
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Smoked paprika (optional)

Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the herbs and spices to bloom and create an intense, rich aroma that will permeate the entire soup.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Add split peas to the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables and spices. This step helps the peas absorb the deep flavors you’ve just developed.

Step 5: Liquid Integration

Pour in vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring the peas are completely submerged. The liquid will help the peas soften and create a creamy, comforting texture.

Step 6: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The peas will gradually break down and create a smooth, hearty consistency.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. The goal is to balance the flavors and create a harmonious blend of ingredients.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. For an extra touch, garnish with crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream.

Helpful Tips For Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Boost Veggie Flavor: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Enhance Smokiness: Add a touch of smoked paprika or bacon bits for a deeper, richer flavor profile that elevates the traditional split pea soup.
• Optimize Consistency: Adjust liquid amounts based on desired thickness, using extra broth or water to thin or simmering longer to thicken the soup.
• Make It Vegetarian-Friendly: Replace ham or bacon with smoked tofu or liquid smoke to maintain a robust, savory taste while keeping the dish meat-free.
• Storage Savvy: Cool soup completely before refrigerating and consume within 45 days, as split pea soup tends to thicken when chilled and can be easily reheated with a splash of broth.

How To Store Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe For Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftover split pea soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the soup will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen split pea soup maintains quality for up to 3 months when sealed tightly.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Microwave Option: Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the soup reaches steaming hot temperature throughout.

What Pairs Well With Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Enhance Hearty Soup with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, freshly baked sourdough or rustic French baguette to soak up the rich, velvety split pea soup. The crispy, golden crust provides a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, creamy soup.
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's earthiness. These light, zesty wines complement the vegetable base and bring a bright, clean finish to each spoonful.
• Serve Alongside Smoky Charcuterie: Add a plate of smoked ham, prosciutto, or chorizo to elevate the soup's depth. The salty, smoky cured meats harmonize perfectly with the soup's smoky paprika and hearty split pea flavor.
• Complement with Fresh Garden Salad: Toss a light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic notes will balance the soup's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Ways To Change Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Smoky Bacon Boost: Crisp up chopped bacon before sautéing vegetables and sprinkle on top for an extra layer of rich, savory flavor that elevates the classic soup.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace thyme with fresh rosemary and oregano, then add diced tomatoes and a splash of white wine to create a brighter, more herbaceous profile.
• Spicy Green Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños during the vegetable sauté stage and finish with a drizzle of hot sauce for those who love a warming, zesty element in their soup.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Swap the traditional ham with cubed firm tofu or tempeh, seasoned with smoked salt to maintain the deep, hearty essence of the original recipe.

FAQs For Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the ham or bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You can add smoked paprika for depth of flavor.

• Are split peas nutritious?

Absolutely! Split peas are packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals. They’re low in fat and help keep you feeling full and energized.

• What if I don't have fresh thyme?

No problem. You can use dried thyme (about 1 teaspoon), or swap it with dried herbs like oregano or marjoram. The key is to add herbs that complement the earthy split pea flavor.

• Can I freeze split pea soup?

Definitely! This soup freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion.

Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty classic split pea soup delivers comfort straight from grandmother’s kitchen, blending smoky ham and tender green peas into a silky, nourishing bowl. Warming spices and slow-simmered vegetables create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 6 cups (1.5L) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 ham bone, ham hock, or 1 cup diced cooked ham (optional for smoky flavor)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 12 cups (240-480ml) water (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over moderate flame, introducing olive oil or butter to create a culinary foundation.
2. Gently tumble chopped onions, carrots, and celery into the pot, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Introduce minced garlic, delicate thyme leaves, and smoky paprika to the vegetable medley, letting the spices dance and bloom for a brief moment, intensifying the flavor profile with their subtle fragrance.

Notes

• Choose between olive oil or butter based on dietary preferences, with olive oil offering a lighter taste and butter adding richness.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Keep heat at medium-low to prevent burning garlic and spices, which can create a bitter undertone in the final dish.
• Consider using low-sodium broth or vegetable stock for a lighter, more adaptable flavor profile that works well for different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 5mg