Description
Split Pea Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for warming your soul on chilly days. This hearty soup combines split peas, vegetables, and tender ham for a thick, creamy texture that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying a cozy meal solo, this recipe is not only simple to make but also adaptable to suit your taste preferences. With every spoonful bursting with rich flavors, Split Pea Soup will quickly become a staple in your home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups finely diced onion (2 medium onions)
- 1 cup finely diced carrot (2 to 3 large carrots)
- 1 cup finely diced celery (3 to 4 stalks)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (4 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1–1/2 cups green split peas (rinsed; old split peas may not soften)
- 2 small bay leaves (or 1 large)
- 1 meaty ham bone (or ham hocks; plus more ham if desired)
- 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Hearty buttered bread (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion, carrot, celery, and season with salt and pepper until softened. Add garlic and spices; cook for another minute.
- Stir in rinsed split peas along with the ham bone and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 60–90 minutes until peas are tender.
- Remove the ham bone, shred the meat back into the soup, blend part of the soup for creaminess, then mix thoroughly.
- Serve hot with buttered bread or fresh herbs on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 16g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg