This warm and cozy split pea soup is a perfect comfort food. Made with green split peas, carrots, celery, and savory herbs, it’s very filling and tasty!
I love how easy it is to whip up a big pot of this soup. Plus, it warms you up on chilly days, which is always a win. Just grab some crusty bread, and you’re set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Split Peas: Green split peas are the star of this soup, bringing a creamy texture when cooked. If you’re looking for something different, yellow split peas can also work well. They have a slightly sweeter flavor but similar cooking properties.
Vegetables: Onion, carrots, and celery make a flavorful base. If you don’t have any of these on hand, you can substitute with other veggies like leeks, parsnips, or bell peppers. Just remember, they should be diced for even cooking!
Broth: I like using vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Chicken broth adds a nice depth of flavor if you prefer. If you’re out, water is fine too, just add a bit more seasoning to enhance the taste!
Herbs: Dried thyme is great for this soup and is easy to keep on hand. Fresh thyme makes a lovely garnish. You could also replace thyme with other herbs like rosemary or sage, but use them sparingly as they have stronger flavors.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Split Pea Soup?
Building flavor layers is key to making a delicious split pea soup. Start by cooking your aromatics (onions, carrots, celery) until they’re just softened. This takes about 5-7 minutes and creates a flavorful base.
- While you heat the olive oil or butter, make sure to stir often to avoid burning.
- Add the garlic last to preserve its fragrant flavor; cooking it too long can make it bitter.
- Simmering helps the peas break down and meld with the broth, creating a thick, hearty soup. Keep stirring occasionally.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust with salt and black pepper towards the end – it’s amazing how much a little seasoning can elevate the dish!
How to Make Delicious Split Pea Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cups green split peas, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 sprig fresh thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme or parsley
- Optional: diced ham or smoked bacon (about 1 cup), cooked and added for flavor
- Bread slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty split pea soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 1 to 1.5 hours to cook until everything is nice and tender. Total time is around 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies, stirring occasionally, until they become soft. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to become tender but not browned.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute—this step will add a lovely aroma to your soup!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now, add the rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Let the soup simmer uncovered. Make sure to stir occasionally for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the split peas are very soft and the soup has thickened nicely. This is where all the flavors will come together!
5. Remove Aromatics:
Once the soup is ready, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf and any fresh thyme stems for a clean finish.
6. Blend for Texture:
If you prefer a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to purée it to the consistency you like. You can also leave some chunks for a bit of texture if that’s what you enjoy!
7. Season and Add Protein:
Give your soup a taste and season with salt and black pepper. If you’re using diced ham or bacon for extra flavor, stir that in now and heat through.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm, comforting split pea soup hot, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley. Don’t forget the crusty bread on the side for dipping!
Enjoy every spoonful of your hearty split pea soup! Perfect for sharing with family or savoring during a quiet night in.
Can I Use Dried Lentils Instead of Split Peas?
While split peas are best for this recipe, you can use dried lentils as a substitute! Keep in mind that cooking times may vary; lentils usually cook faster than split peas, so check for doneness after about 30-40 minutes.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any animal products like ham or bacon. You can add more veggies or beans for extra protein if desired!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover split pea soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What Can I Serve With Split Pea Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, but you can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. Enjoy with a sprinkle of cheese, if you like!
