The Best Homemade Split Pea Soup Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade split pea soup recipe is perfect for cozy nights and packed with flavor you’ll adore. It’s simple to make, comforting, and uses everyday ingredients. The soup comes together beautifully, making it both hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples and customize to your taste. You’ll love how it warms you up from the inside out!
- Easy prep: Just chop, simmer, and enjoy—minimal effort for maximum taste.
- Comfort food: Creamy and rich, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
- Budget-friendly: Made with affordable ingredients that go a long way.
Recipe
This homemade split pea soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and delivers rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients:
1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and drained
1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
1 large onion, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups water or chicken stock
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the split peas, ham bone (or diced ham), onion, carrots, celery, garlic, water (or chicken stock), bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Remove the ham bone (if used), shred any meat, and return it to the soup. Discard the bay leaves.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.
Notes:
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- The soup will thicken as it cools. Add more water or stock when reheating if desired.
Equipment:
Large pot or Dutch oven
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
6-8 servings
Nutrition
This homemade split pea soup is packed with essential nutrients and offers a hearty, healthy meal. Below is the nutritional information per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
What To Serve With It
I always love pairing my split pea soup with warm crusty bread—it’s perfect for dipping and adds a cozy touch. A savory side salad, maybe with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette, balances the richness of the soup. Together, they make a meal that feels complete and comforting.
Warm Crusty Bread
Though a bowl of homemade split pea soup is satisfying on its own, pairing it with warm, crusty bread takes it to a whole new level. I love tearing into fresh, crusty rolls or slicing up artisan loaves to dip into the soup’s hearty, velvety texture. The contrast between the soft bread’s interior and its crispy crust is irresistible. It’s like having a cozy blanket for your taste buds! Plus, the bread soaks up every last bit of flavor, making sure nothing goes to waste. Trust me, you’ll want to have plenty on hand—it’s that good.
Savory Side Salad
Balance is key when pairing dishes, and a savory side salad complements the richness of homemade split pea soup perfectly. I love tossing crisp greens with crunchy salad toppings like cucumbers, radishes, and toasted nuts for texture. A tangy vinaigrette or creamy dressing options, like lemon-tahini or balsamic, brighten the meal. Sometimes, I’ll add crumbled feta or avocado for extra flavor. It’s light yet satisfying, balancing the soup’s heartiness. Trust me, this combo hits the spot every time—simple, fresh, and full of contrast. Give it a try, and you’ll see how well they work together!
