The Heartiest Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Hearty split pea soup delivers comfort on chilly days with its rich, velvety texture and warming embrace.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back when the aroma begins to simmer.

Tender green legumes mingle with smoky ham, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Rustic and unpretentious, this classic dish speaks to the soul of home cooking.

Simple ingredients transform into a luxurious meal that fills bellies and warms hearts.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, promising a delightful culinary experience you won’t soon forget.

Grab a spoon and let the magic begin!

Why You’ll Love Healthy And Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich split peas, this soup delivers incredible health benefits that nourish your body from the inside out.
• Master Easy Cooking Skills: Perfect for beginners wanting to improve culinary techniques, this recipe teaches basic sautéing and simmering methods without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adaptable recipe allows endless variations like adding ham, changing vegetable mix, or blending for different textures, making it a versatile meal solution for any preference.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Champion: Uses affordable ingredients like split peas, root vegetables, and simple seasonings, creating a wallet-friendly dish that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition.

Ingredients For Healthy And Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Split Peas: A protein-packed legume that provides the hearty base for this nutritious soup.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid foundation and adds depth of flavor to the soup.
• Potatoes: Contribute a creamy texture and help thicken the soup naturally.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a rich, savory foundation that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• Carrots, Celery: Add sweetness and a subtle crunch to the soup's texture.

• Dried Thyme, Bay Leaf: Infuse the soup with warm, earthy undertones and complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating the soup's overall flavor profile.

• Ham: Offers a smoky, meaty dimension to the soup for those who enjoy additional protein.

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Thyme: Provide a bright, fresh finish and additional herbal aroma.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth cooking base.

How To Make Healthy And Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma and creating a flavor foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Build Vegetable Base

• Minced garlic
• Diced carrots
• Chopped celery

Stir and cook until vegetables start to soften and become fragrant, developing deep, rich flavors.

Step 3: Introduce Potatoes and Herbs

Toss in diced potatoes and sprinkle dried thyme into the pot. Mix thoroughly to distribute herbs and ensure even cooking of the vegetables.

Step 4: Create Soup Foundation

Pour in rinsed split peas and broth. Add bay leaf and diced ham if desired. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing all ingredients to mingle and blend.

Step 5: Slow Simmer

Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup gently simmer for 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Watch as split peas break down and soup thickens beautifully.

Step 6: Texture Transformation

Remove bay leaf from the soup. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. For a chunkier consistency, leave as is.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Presentation

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve alongside crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Helpful Tips For Healthy And Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast dried thyme in the pot before adding other ingredients to release its intense, earthy aroma and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Prevent Mushy Texture: Rinse split peas thoroughly and avoid overcooking to maintain a perfect tender-yet-firm consistency in your soup.
• Ham Substitution Hack: Replace ham with smoked turkey or crispy bacon for different protein variations without compromising the soup's rich flavor.
• Veggie Power Boost: Add extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking to increase nutritional value and create more complex textures.
• Freeze Like a Pro: Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring you always have a comforting meal ready when needed.

Recipe Variations For Healthy And Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Vegetarian Split Pea Delight: Replace ham with smoked tofu or tempeh chunks for a protein-packed plant-based version. Add nutritional yeast for extra depth and umami flavor.
• Low-Carb Green Soup Variation: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates. Use chicken or vegetable broth and add zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate rosemary and oregano instead of thyme. Add a splash of lemon juice at the end and garnish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
• Spicy Southwest Soup Spin: Include diced green chilies, cumin, and smoked paprika. Top with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern-inspired version.

What To Pair With Healthy And Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Pair Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice up a rustic sourdough loaf to soak up the rich, hearty split pea soup, adding a delightful tangy contrast to the smooth, earthy flavors.
• Wine Complement: Select a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleansing effect.
• Herb-Infused Side Salad: Create a light green salad with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives, dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's dense texture and add brightness.
• Smoked Gouda Garnish: Sprinkle small cubes of smoky, aged Gouda cheese on top of the soup to enhance its depth and introduce a subtle, complex flavor profile.

Storage For Healthy And Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Transfer cooled soup to a sealed glass or plastic container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto soup surface to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.
• Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Label with date and contents, storing up to 3 months for convenient future meals.
• Place soup in microwave-safe bowl, cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed, typically 2-3 minutes total.
• Pour soup into saucepan, reheat over medium-low heat.

FAQs About Healthy And Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Why use split peas instead of other legumes?

Split peas cook faster and are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They break down easily, creating a naturally creamy texture without added cream.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead. The split peas and vegetables provide plenty of hearty flavor and protein.

• Is split pea soup nutritionally beneficial?

Yes! Split peas are low in fat, high in protein, and rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and folate. This soup supports heart health and provides sustained energy.

• How can I boost the protein content?

Add diced chicken, extra ham, or top with a sprinkle of cheese. Plant-based options include tofu cubes or additional beans for extra protein punch.

Split Pea Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty split pea soup delivers comfort with rich, smoky flavors from tender ham and garden-fresh vegetables. Warm bowls of this classic soup promise delightful nourishment that will instantly satisfy hungry souls craving a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Legumes:

• 1 cup split green peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup diced ham (optional)

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, then add onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Incorporate minced garlic, carrots, and celery into the pot, continuing to cook for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and release their aromatic qualities.
3. Introduce diced potatoes and dried thyme, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Add rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaf, and ham (if using) to the vegetable base, stirring to combine all ingredients uniformly.
5. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow to simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
6. Remove bay leaf and use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup for a creamier texture, or leave chunky if preferred.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed for optimal balance.
8. Ladle into warm bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve alongside crusty bread for a complete, hearty meal.

Notes

• Swap ham with smoked tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, savory flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt intake, perfect for heart-healthy diets and those watching sodium consumption.
• Blend a portion of the soup to create a creamy texture without adding heavy cream, keeping the dish light and nutritious.
• Freeze extra portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep quick and convenient for busy weeks ahead.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg