Description
This Split Pea Soup is thick, creamy, and bursting with rich, savory flavors. Made with tender split peas, aromatic vegetables, and a meaty ham bone, this soup is the ultimate comfort food! It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for chilly evenings. Serve it with crusty buttered bread for a meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients
▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
▢ 2 cups finely diced onion (2 medium onions)
▢ 1 cup finely diced carrot (2 to 3 large carrots)
▢ 1 cup finely diced celery (3 to 4 stalks)
▢ Salt and pepper (see Note 1)
▢ 1 tablespoon minced garlic (4 cloves)
▢ 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
▢ 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
▢ 1 teaspoon dried thyme
▢ ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
▢ 1 ½ cups dried split peas (rinsed; see Note 2)
▢ 2 small bay leaves (or 1 large)
▢ 1 meaty ham bone or ham hocks (see Note 3)
▢ 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
▢ Additional chopped ham (optional)
▢ Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
▢ Hearty buttered bread (for serving)
Instructions
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Sauté the vegetables – Heat olive oil in a large 5.5-quart (or larger) heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and a pinch of salt and pepper (start with ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper). Cook until softened and slightly golden, about 5–8 minutes.
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Add seasonings – Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
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Add peas and liquid – Add the rinsed split peas, ham bone, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Stir well.Simmer the soup – Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 60–90 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The soup will gradually thicken as the peas break down. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth.Add ham – If adding extra chopped ham, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.Blend for creaminess (optional) – Remove the ham bone, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bone and any fat. Remove and discard bay leaves. For a creamier texture, blend 2 cups of the soup until smooth, then mix it back in (see Note 4).Serve and enjoy – Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve with buttered bread. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Notes
- Salt levels – Since ham and broth can be salty, add more salt only at the end, if needed.
- Split peas tip – Older split peas may take longer to soften. Always rinse before using.
- Ham substitutions – No ham bone? Use diced smoked ham or a teaspoon of liquid smoke for flavor.
- Blending for texture – Blending part of the soup makes it extra creamy while keeping some chunks for heartiness.