Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe: Easy Homemade Guide

The easiest way to make classic split pea soup is to simmer 1 pound of dried green split peas with 8 cups of broth, 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, 2 celery stalks, 2 garlic cloves, and 1 bay leaf for 45-60 minutes until thickened. For traditional flavor, add a ham hock or smoked ham bone during cooking. No soaking required - just rinse peas, combine ingredients, and simmer until creamy.

Perfect Homemade Split Pea Soup Recipe

Creating restaurant-quality split pea soup at home is simpler than you might think. This traditional recipe yields a rich, creamy soup with deep flavor that's both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this foolproof method guarantees perfect results every time.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

What makes the best split pea soup? Quality ingredients and proper technique. Here's what you'll need for a classic preparation that serves 6-8:

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation Notes
Dried green split peas	1 pound (2 cups)	Rinse thoroughly before use
Chicken or vegetable broth	8 cups	Low-sodium preferred
Onion	1 medium	Diced small
Carrots	2 medium	Peeled and chopped
Celery stalks	2	Chopped
Garlic cloves	2	Minced
Ham hock or smoked ham bone	1	Optional but recommended
Bay leaf	1	Remove before serving
Olive oil or butter	2 tablespoons	For sautéing
Salt and pepper	To taste	Add after cooking

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for the perfect split pea soup texture and flavor development:

Prepare ingredients: Rinse split peas thoroughly in a colander until water runs clear. Chop all vegetables to uniform 1/4-inch pieces for even cooking.
Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a 5-6 quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned.
Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine all ingredients: Add rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaf, and ham hock (if using). Stir well to combine.
Simmer gently: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check consistency: Soup is done when peas have broken down completely and soup has thickened to a creamy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Final seasoning: Remove bay leaf and ham hock. Shred any meat from the bone and return to soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup

Master this classic recipe with these professional cooking techniques:

Avoid boiling vigorously: A gentle simmer prevents peas from breaking down too quickly and creating a foamy texture.
Don't add salt too early: Salt added at the beginning can toughen peas. Wait until the end for perfect seasoning.
Adjust thickness: For thicker soup, simmer uncovered for additional 10-15 minutes. For thinner consistency, add more broth or water.
Enhance flavor depth: For vegetarian version, add 1 tablespoon smoked paprika or a strip of kombu seaweed during cooking.
Texture control: For ultra-smooth soup, blend half the soup with an immersion blender before serving.

Popular Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the basic technique, experiment with these delicious adaptations:

Traditional Ham-Infused Version

The classic preparation uses a smoked ham hock that simmers with the soup, infusing rich, smoky flavor throughout. Remove the hock after cooking, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. This easy split pea soup recipe with ham delivers authentic comfort food flavor.

Vegan Split Pea Soup

For a plant-based version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke and 2 strips of rehydrated dried mushrooms for umami depth. This how to make split pea soup without ham alternative satisfies vegan dietary needs while maintaining rich flavor.

Creamy Instant Pot Method

Using a pressure cooker cuts cooking time significantly. Combine all ingredients in your Instant Pot, seal, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural 15-minute release. This quick split pea soup recipe in Instant Pot yields equally delicious results in half the time.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Split pea soup actually improves in flavor after sitting, making it perfect for meal prep:

Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days. The soup will thicken as it chills - simply add broth or water when reheating.
Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling to maintain texture.
Reviving leftovers: Add a splash of broth and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors when reheating.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced cooks encounter challenges with this seemingly simple soup. Here's how to solve frequent problems:

Soup too thin: Continue simmering uncovered to reduce and thicken, or blend a portion of the soup to create a creamier base.
Soup too thick: Gradually add warm broth or water until desired consistency is reached.
Peas not breaking down: Older split peas may require longer cooking. Ensure you're using green split peas (not yellow or whole peas).
Bitter flavor: Overcooked garlic or burnt vegetables can cause bitterness. Start with fresh ingredients and monitor sautéing carefully.
Excess foam: Skim foam from surface during initial cooking phase for clearer broth.

Nutritional Benefits of Split Pea Soup

This humble soup packs impressive nutritional value. One serving (about 1.5 cups) typically contains:

Approximately 250-300 calories
18 grams of plant-based protein
15 grams of dietary fiber
Excellent source of iron, potassium, and B vitamins
Naturally low in fat and cholesterol-free

The combination of protein and fiber creates a satisfying meal that helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. For those seeking a hearty vegetarian option, this creamy split pea soup recipe provides substantial nutrition without meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do split peas need to be soaked before making soup?

No, split peas do not require soaking before cooking. Unlike dried beans, split peas are already hulled and split, which allows them to cook relatively quickly - typically 45-60 minutes of simmering. Simply rinse them thoroughly to remove any dust or debris before adding to your pot. This makes split pea soup one of the easiest legume-based soups to prepare from scratch.

Why is my split pea soup foamy during cooking?

Some foam formation is normal during the initial cooking phase of split pea soup as starches and proteins are released. This foam doesn't affect flavor but can make the soup look less appealing. Simply skim it off the surface with a spoon during the first 15-20 minutes of cooking. Avoid vigorous boiling, as this increases foam production. A gentle simmer will minimize this issue while still allowing proper cooking.

Can I make split pea soup without meat for a vegetarian version?

Absolutely. For a delicious vegetarian split pea soup, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the ham hock. To compensate for the missing smoky flavor, add 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, a strip of kombu seaweed, or 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke. Sautéed mushrooms also provide excellent umami depth. This how to make split pea soup without ham variation maintains rich flavor while accommodating vegetarian diets.

How long does homemade split pea soup last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container, homemade split pea soup will keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. The soup often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld. When reheating, you may need to add a small amount of broth or water as the soup thickens considerably when chilled. Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

What's the best way to thicken split pea soup if it's too thin?

If your soup is too thin, you have several options to achieve the perfect creamy consistency. The simplest method is to continue simmering uncovered for 10-15 minutes to allow evaporation. Alternatively, remove 1-2 cups of soup, blend until smooth, then return to the pot. You can also make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup. Remember that split pea soup continues to thicken as it cools, so aim for slightly thinner consistency than your desired final result.