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I’m thrilled to share my favorite homemade split pea soup recipe with you! This hearty soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. It’s packed with protein and full of flavor, way better than any canned version.
My secret? I use a leftover meaty ham bone to give this soup an extra rich taste. The result is a thick, satisfying bowl that’ll warm you from the inside out. Trust me, once you try this protein-packed soup, you’ll be hooked!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
I’m excited to tell you why this split pea soup recipe will be your new favorite. It changes the game in the kitchen. Here’s why:
- It’s super easy to make. Just a few simple steps and you’ll have a tasty meal ready fast.
- This soup is full of nutrients. Split peas are loaded with protein and fiber. It’s both nutritious and filling.
- The taste is amazing. The mix of split peas, veggies, and ham makes a flavor you’ll love.
- It’s the perfect comfort food. A warm bowl of split pea soup on a cold day makes you feel cozy.
- This recipe is very flexible. You can change ingredients or seasonings to fit your taste.
This soup reminds me of my childhood. The smell of it cooking is just too good. It’s great for family meals or meal prep. This split pea soup is a classic that always hits the spot.
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
This split pea soup recipe is super versatile. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 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
- 16 oz dried split peas
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 lb meaty ham bone
- 1 cup chopped carrots
If you’re missing some ingredients, don’t worry! Swap yellow split peas for green ones. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. If no ham bone, try a ham hock or steak. Add bacon or pancetta for extra flavor.
The veggies in this recipe make it super tasty. You can use fresh or dried thyme. The ham bone adds a deep, savory flavor. Remember, the split peas thicken the soup as they cook.
Instructions
I start by heating olive oil in a big pot. Then, I add the onion, celery, and garlic. They cook until they’re soft and smell great. This makes a tasty base for our soup.
Next, I put in chicken broth, water, and split peas. Bay leaves, thyme, and seasonings come next. The ham bone adds a special flavor. I let it all boil, then simmer for about an hour.
After simmering, I take out the ham bone and shred the meat. The meat goes back into the pot. Then, I add carrots and cook the split peas until they’re soft. This makes the soup thicker and takes about 30 minutes.
To finish, I add ham pieces and stir everything together. This makes a warm, comforting soup for cold days. You can also make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Just change the cooking time and the amount of liquid you use.
My grandma always said, “A good split pea soup should be thick enough to stand a spoon in!”
Tips, Tricks & Storing
This split pea soup gets thicker as it cools. If it’s too thick, I add a bit of water. It makes it just right.
For leftovers, I keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing is also good for up to 3 months.
Reheating is easy. I use the microwave or stove, adding water if it’s too thick. Adding diced potatoes with the carrots makes it more filling.
If you have an Instant Pot, it cooks in 15 minutes. Always remove the bay leaf before serving. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and taste.