Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that brings back memories of homemade meals. This protein-packed soup is made with tender split peas, flavorful ham, and fresh vegetables. It’s the perfect recipe for cold weather and is a true comfort food staple. Making this soup from scratch gives it a full-bodied texture and delicious flavor.

The addition of a ham bone adds depth and richness to the soup. Starting with a whole bag of dry split peas ensures the perfect consistency and texture. This classic recipe is all about going back to the old-fashioned basics and will warm you up on cozy evenings.

How to Make Homemade Split Pea Soup

Making homemade split pea soup is a simple and satisfying process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious batch of this comforting soup:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Gather the following ingredients for your split pea soup: 1 cup of split peas, 1 meaty ham bone or 1 pound of diced ham, 1 onion (diced), 2 celery stalks (diced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of water, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 2 carrots (chopped), salt to taste, and fresh parsley for garnish.
2. Sauté the onions and celery: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery and sauté until they become tender and fragrant.
3. Add the remaining ingredients: Once the onions and celery are cooked, add the minced garlic, chicken broth, water, split peas, bay leaves, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the soup: Nestle the meaty ham bone into the soup mixture, or if you’re using diced ham, add it directly to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer slowly for 60-80 minutes. This will allow the split peas and ham to become tender and develop rich flavors.
5. Remove the ham bone: After simmering, remove the ham bone from the pot. Shred or dice the meat and return it to the soup.
6. Add carrots and continue simmering: Add the chopped carrots to the pot and continue simmering the soup until the split peas have mostly broken down and the carrots are cooked to your desired tenderness.
7. Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt to your liking. Serve the homemade split pea soup warm, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.

For added convenience, there are alternative cooking methods that can be used to make this easy recipe. Consider using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot to save time and simplify the process. These cooking methods will still yield a flavorful and hearty split pea soup.

In addition to the traditional ingredients, feel free to get creative and experiment with variations of this classic recipe. Add ingredients like potatoes, herbs, or spices to customize the flavors and make the soup your own.

Split Pea Soup: A Bowl of Comfort

“There’s something special about the aroma of split pea soup filling the kitchen on a cold winter day. A steaming bowl of this hearty soup is like a warm hug for the soul.”

Tips and Storage for Split Pea Soup

When it comes to leftover storage, split pea soup can be safely refrigerated for up to 3 days. As it rests and cools in the fridge, it will naturally thicken. However, if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can simply add a bit more water when reheating.

If you find yourself with more soup than you can enjoy within 3 days, freezing is a great option. To freeze split pea soup, allow it to cool completely. Then, ladle the soup into zip-top bags, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Next, squeeze out any excess air, seal the bags tightly, and wrap them in foil for added protection. Finally, lay the bags flat in the freezer for convenient storage. Frozen split pea soup can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating split pea soup is a breeze. You can do it either on the stovetop or in the microwave. For stovetop reheating, simply warm the soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If using the microwave, transfer the desired amount of soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it reaches the desired temperature.

When it comes to thickening options, you have a few choices. If your split pea soup turns out thinner than you’d like, try adding a splash of full-fat cream to give it a richer consistency. Another option is to create a cornstarch slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then adding it to the simmering soup while stirring continuously until it thickens to your liking.

To elevate the flavors and presentation of your split pea soup, consider adding some flavorful garnishes. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for a touch of richness, or sprinkle some fresh lemon zest for a burst of freshness. For a smoky kick, a pinch of smoked paprika works wonders. And for a satisfying crunch, toasted almonds or chopped scallions make fantastic additions. Have fun experimenting with different garnishes to create a soup that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious!

FAQ

What is split pea soup?

Split pea soup is a comforting and easy-to-make dish made with tender split peas, flavorful ham, and fresh vegetables. It is a protein-packed soup that is perfect for cold weather and is considered a true comfort food staple.

How do I make homemade split pea soup?

To make homemade split pea soup, start by sautéing onions and celery in olive oil to build flavor. Then, add garlic, chicken broth, water, split peas, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Nestle a meaty ham bone into the mixture and let it simmer slowly for about 60-80 minutes until the peas and ham are tender. Remove the ham bone, shred or dice the meat, and return it to the soup. Add chopped carrots and continue simmering until the peas have mostly broken down. Season with salt and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Can I customize the split pea soup recipe?

Yes, split pea soup can be customized by adding additional ingredients like potatoes, herbs, or spices to create variations of the classic recipe. Feel free to experiment and adjust the flavors to your preference.

How can I store leftover split pea soup?

Leftover split pea soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will thicken as it rests and cools slightly, but can be thinned with more water if desired.

Can I freeze split pea soup?

Yes, split pea soup freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months. To freeze, ladle the cooled soup into zip-top bags, leaving room at the top for expansion. Squeeze out excess air, seal the bags, wrap them in foil, and freeze flat.

How do I reheat frozen split pea soup?

When reheating frozen split pea soup, it can be done on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the soup is too thin after being frozen, it can be thickened with options like full-fat cream or a cornstarch slurry.

What are some garnishes that can enhance the flavors of split pea soup?

Some garnishes that can be added to enhance the flavors and presentation of split pea soup include olive oil, lemon zest, smoked paprika, toasted almonds, or scallions.