Description
Cozy, hearty, and packed with flavor—this Split Pea Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried split peas (green or yellow), rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2–3 fresh sprigs)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 ham bone or 1 cup diced ham (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse split peas under cold water and remove any debris.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil (or butter). Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic, then add split peas, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in broth and add ham bone or diced ham if using. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and soup thickens.
- Remove bay leaves (and ham bone if used). Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For a smoother soup, blend part of it with an immersion blender.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- No need to soak split peas—they cook quickly compared to other legumes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add more broth or water if the soup gets too thick.
- For a smoky flavor without ham, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Freezes beautifully—make a big batch and save portions for later!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes