Hearty Homestyle Split Pea Soup
Hearty Homestyle Split Pea Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This rich and creamy soup is loaded with tender split peas, smoky ham, and cozy flavors that feel like a warm hug in every spoonful. It’s easy to make and perfect for feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a timeless favorite!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to create a flavorful base.
- 2 Onions (chopped): Provides a savory and slightly sweet foundation for the soup.
- 3 Carrots (chopped): Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant color to the soup.
- 3 Stalks Celery (chopped): Enhances the depth of flavor with a mild, herbal crunch.
- 4 Cloves Garlic (minced): Brings a subtle, aromatic depth to the soup.
- 1 Pound Split Peas (rinsed and sorted): The star ingredient, these peas thicken the soup and provide a creamy texture when cooked.
- 1 Ham Bone (meaty): Infuses the soup with rich, smoky flavor and enhances the savory taste.
- 2 Bay Leaves: Adds a layer of aromatic, slightly herbal flavor to the soup.
- 1 Tsp Thyme (dried): Brings a fragrant, earthy note that complements the ham and peas.
- 6 Cups Chicken Stock: Provides a flavorful liquid base for the soup.
- 2 Cups Water: Balances the soup’s consistency and helps it simmer evenly.
- 1 Cup Ham (diced): Adds bursts of smoky, savory goodness in every bite.
- Salt and Black Ground Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
HEARTY SPLIT PEA SOUP IS A FAMILY FAVORITE:
- This split pea soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day—it’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor.
- I love how easy it is to make with simple ingredients, yet it feels like a gourmet meal that the whole family enjoys.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover ham and turn it into a satisfying, nutritious dish!
HOW TO PREPARE HOMESTYLE SPLIT PEA SOUP?
Time needed: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Base Ingredients:
Stir in the rinsed and sorted split peas, then add the ham bone, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Pour in 6 cups of chicken stock and 2 cups of water. Mix everything well. - Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 60-90 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. - Add the Ham Cubes:
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the diced ham to the pot. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. - Adjust the Consistency:
Keep in mind that the soup will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin while hot. If it gets too thick later, you can always stir in a little extra stock or water. - Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the ham bone and bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm, preferably with crusty bread on the side.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Yes! Split peas don’t require soaking, but rinsing and sorting them is important to remove debris.
You can substitute with diced ham and add extra chicken stock or bouillon for flavor.
Split pea soup thickens as it cools. Add more water or stock when reheating to reach your preferred consistency.
This may happen if the peas weren’t cooked long enough. Continue simmering until smooth and creamy.
The natural starches in the split peas break down during cooking, creating a creamy consistency without dairy.
HOW CAN SPLIT PEA SOUP BE PREPARED IN THE CROCKPOT?
Making Hearty Homestyle Split Pea Soup in the crockpot is easy and hands-off! Simply add the rinsed split peas, chopped onions, carrots, celery, minced garlic, ham bone, bay leaves, thyme, chicken stock, and water to your crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–6 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. About 30 minutes before it’s done, stir in the diced ham. The soup will thicken as it cooks, and you can adjust the consistency with a little extra water or stock if needed. Serve warm with your favorite bread or sides!
THE BEST SPLIT PEA SOUP RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Vegetarian Split Pea Soup: When I want a meat-free option, I skip the ham bone and diced ham and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. A sprinkle of smoked paprika gives it that smoky depth I love.
- Use Bacon Instead of Ham: If I don’t have a ham bone, I’ll cook up some diced bacon until crispy and use that instead. It adds a rich, savory flavor that works perfectly.
- Add Potatoes: Sometimes, I’ll dice up a couple of potatoes and simmer them along with the carrots and celery to make the soup even heartier.
- Spice It Up: When I’m in the mood for a little kick, I’ll add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or smoked paprika to the soup. It’s just enough to warm things up.
- Swap Ham Bone for Smoked Sausage: If I don’t have a ham bone, I’ll slice up some smoked sausage and toss it in the soup. It’s such an easy and flavorful swap!
- Creamier Texture: When I want a creamier soup, I’ll blend about half of it with an immersion blender and leave the rest chunky. It’s the best of both worlds!
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH CREAMY SPLIT PEA SOUP?
Split pea soup is great with crusty bread, warm rolls, or buttery cornbread—perfect for dipping! I like serving it with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. For something heartier, a grilled cheese sandwich or extra ham on the side works perfectly. A glass of wine, cider, or even a warm mug of tea makes it a cozy and comforting meal for any occasion.
HOW TO REHEAT AND STORE LEFTOVER SPLIT PEA SOUP?
To store leftover split pea soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
CAN LEFTOVER COZY SPLIT PEA SOUP BE FROZEN FOR LATER?
Yes, you can freeze split pea soup for later, and it’s super easy to do. Let the soup cool completely, then put it in airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving a little space at the top for it to expand. It stays good in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove. If it’s too thick, just add a bit of water or broth, and it’ll be good as new!
LOOKING FOR MORE SOUP RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Creamy Roasted Butternut and Red Pepper Soup: It’s got all the best fall flavors—sweet butternut squash, smoky roasted red peppers, and a little hint of spice to keep things interesting. It’s so easy to make and always feels like a special treat.
Rich and Creamy Roasted Tomato Garlic Soup: This soup is all about warm, roasted tomatoes blended with savory garlic into a velvety, smooth texture that’s perfect for chilly days.
Italian Wedding Soup: Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or craving something warm and satisfying, this classic soup feels like a hug in a bowl.
Hearty Homestyle Split Pea Soup
Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 2 Onions (chopped)
- 3 Carrots (chopped)
- 3 Stalks Celery (chopped)
- 4 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Pound Split Peas (rinsed and sorted)
- 1 Ham Bone (meaty)
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Tsp Thyme (dried)
- 6 Cups Chicken Stock
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 cup Ham (diced)
- Salt and Black Ground Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Base Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed and sorted split peas, then add the ham bone, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Pour in 6 cups of chicken stock and 2 cups of water. Mix everything well.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 60-90 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the Ham Cubes: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the diced ham to the pot. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Adjust the Consistency: Keep in mind that the soup will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin while hot. If it gets too thick later, you can always stir in a little extra stock or water.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the ham bone and bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm, preferably with crusty bread on the side.