This delicious Split Pea Soup comes together in about 90 minutes and simmered all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break this down because, trust me, the ingredients in this quick and easy Split Pea Soup are key to its rich flavor and creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil – Because every great soup starts with a bit of oil!
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion – For that nice, sweet, aromatic base.
- 1 1/4 cups chopped celery – Adds that wonderful crunch and flavor.
- 1 tsp minced garlic – Because garlic makes everything better, am I right?
- 4 cups unsalted chicken broth – If you want a veggie version, just switch to vegetable broth!
- 4 cups water – Helpless without a little water!
- 1 (16 oz) bag dried split peas – The star of the show!
- 2 bay leaves – For depth of flavor; they’re the unsung heroes of soup!
- 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried – Either way, it adds tons of flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – A couple pinches make all the difference.
- 1 1/2 lb meaty ham bone or ham shanks – The smoky richness is just divine.
- 1 cup chopped carrots – Boosts the sweetness; plus, they’re colorful!
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) – Just a sprinkle for that pop of freshness!
How to Make This Split Pea Soup
Ready to dive into soup-making? Let’s get started!
Heat the Oil: Start by heating up that tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing them for about 3 minutes until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute, or until fragrant, such an inviting aroma!
Add Broth and Split Peas: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Toss in the split peas, bay leaves, and thyme. Season lightly with a couple pinches of salt and pepper.
Nestle in the Ham: Now, nestle that meaty ham bone into the mix. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 60-80 minutes. You want those peas and ham to be nice and tender.
Shred the Ham: After simmering, carefully remove the ham from the soup. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then shred or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces. I’ll tell you, it’s so satisfying to tear apart that ham!
Add Carrots: Meanwhile, toss in those chopped carrots. Cover and let this beauty simmer for an additional 30 minutes until the peas have mostly broken down.
Finish and Serve: Stir the shredded ham back into your soup, and season with more salt if needed. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for that burst of color.
If you loved this soup, be sure to check out my Kale and Cannellini Bean Soup, my Golumpki Soup, or my Chicken Pot Pie Soup!
Why This Split Pea Soup Works
Comfort Food at Its Best
Loaded with tons of flavor, this Split Pea Soup is not only filling but comforting. The combination of smoky ham, sweet veggies, and creamy split peas makes this dish feel like a warm hug in a bowl!
Quick & Easy Preparation
This soup comes together all in one pot, seriously! There’s minimal cleanup required, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you just want something satisfying without all the fuss.
Budget-Friendly
If you’re on a budget (who isn’t these days?), this soup is such a win! It uses inexpensive, everyday ingredients that you can usually find easily. Plus, it makes a hefty batch, meaning you can freeze leftovers for another day!
Meal Prep Friendly
Have a busy week ahead? This soup is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up on Sunday and have it ready for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Customizable
Maybe you’re not a ham lover? No problem! This soup is easily customizable. Substitute leftover turkey or chicken, or just skip the meat altogether. Add a pinch of smoked paprika if you want that smoky flavor without the meat.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
How to Serve This Split Pea Soup
Serve this creamy soup with a slice of crusty bread or some fresh crackers for dipping. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or a simple grilled cheese sandwich, can you say ultimate comfort food combo?
Storage
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors develop even more overnight, so it’s great for lunch the next day!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you find the soup is a bit thick, feel free to add a splash of water or chicken broth to get it back to your desired consistency.
Freezer Friendly
Good news, this soup is freezer friendly! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat for a quick meal.
Thanks for cooking along with me! I hope this Easy Split Pea Soup becomes a staple in your home, just like it is in mine. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, happy cooking! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
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Split Pea Soup
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
A comforting and versatile split pea soup that comes together in one pot for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 1/4 cups chopped celery
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 4 cups unsalted chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 (16 oz) bag dried split peas
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 lb meaty ham bone or ham shanks
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and celery, sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the split peas, bay leaves, and thyme. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Nestle the ham bone into the mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 60-80 minutes.
- Remove the ham from the soup after simmering. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then shred or dice the meat.
- Add the chopped carrots to the soup. Cover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes until the peas have mostly broken down.
- Stir the shredded ham back into the soup, season with more salt if needed, and serve warm garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Great for meal prep and can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg