If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you absolutely need to try this Cozy and Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of soup that fills the kitchen with incredible aromas and comforts you from the inside out. Packed with tender split peas, savory ham, and vibrant veggies, this soup is pure, soul-soothing goodness in a bowl. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers on flavor and heartiness every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cozy and Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe is how simple yet essential every ingredient is. Each one plays its part in creating layers of taste, texture, and that lovely golden color you want in a classic split pea soup. Gather these wholesome staples for a kitchen adventure worth savoring.
- 4 tbsp olive oil: Adds a silky base to sauté the vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- 2 onions, diced: Build the aromatic foundation with their mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- 4 carrots, peeled & sliced: Provide subtle earthy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 4 celery stalks, chopped: Offer a fresh, crisp note that balances the heartiness.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced: Infuse the soup with a warm, savory depth.
- 2 tsp dried thyme: Introduce a gentle herbaceous touch that complements the peas.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice without overpowering.
- 2 bay leaves: Steep in subtle complexity while simmering.
- 4 cups dried split peas, rinsed and drained: The star ingredient that makes this soup thick and satisfying.
- 12 cups chicken broth (low-sodium): Creates the savory, comforting liquid base.
- 1 large ham bone or 4 cups diced cooked ham: Provides smoky, meaty richness that truly elevates the soup.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for balancing flavors perfectly.
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Stirred in or used as garnish for smoky crunch.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that enhances the ham.
- A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice: Brightens the finished soup with a touch of tang.
- Optional: 1 diced potato or ½ cup heavy cream: Makes the soup silkier and even more luxurious.
How to Make Cozy and Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté your vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant. This step builds a savory base layer that infuses every spoonful with incredible flavor.
Step 2: Add herbs, spices, and split peas
Next, sprinkle in the dried thyme, black pepper, bay leaves, and of course, the rinsed split peas. Stir well to coat the peas and vegetables with the herbs, allowing the flavors to mingle before the broth joins the party.
Step 3: Pour in the broth and ham
Pour the chicken broth over everything, then add your ham bone or diced ham. Crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This is where all the rich, smoky flavors start to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer until thick and tender
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check that the peas are soft and the soup has thickened to a luscious consistency. When done, fish out the bay leaves and remove the ham bone. Pick off any meat from the bone, shred it, and return it to the pot for that extra meaty goodness.
Step 5: Season perfectly
Now is the moment to taste and adjust your seasoning. Add salt as needed and a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to lift the flavors and brighten the entire dish. If you want it extra creamy, stir in diced potato or heavy cream here.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Ladle your thick, aromatic soup into bowls while piping hot. Crumble cooked bacon on top or mix it in for added texture and smoky punch. Fresh herbs are always welcome for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Cozy and Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can bring your Cozy and Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe to life. Beyond the delicious crumbled bacon, a sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme or parsley adds a fresh herbal note. A swirl of cream or a drizzle of olive oil can introduce extra richness and glamorize your rustic bowl.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every drop. A crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables also complement the hearty soup nicely, offering a balance of textures and flavors on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in mini cast iron skillets or individual soup crocks for that homemade, inviting feel. Top with a golden cheese toastie for dipping or offer a sprinkle of crunchy fried shallots for a surprising crunch. The possibilities to personalize this soup and elevate the presentation are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cozy and Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe makes fantastic leftovers. Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight, making dinner the next day even better.
Freezing
If you want to keep the soup longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just remember to add any cream or delicate garnishes fresh after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and leave out the ham bone and bacon. You might want to add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to keep that wonderful smoky depth.
How long does split pea soup last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for several months if you want to keep it longer.
Is it necessary to use a ham bone?
No, it’s not required, but using a ham bone greatly enhances the soup’s flavor with its smoky richness. Diced cooked ham alone also works well to give the soup that meaty touch.
Can I use green split peas instead of yellow?
Yes, both green and yellow split peas work wonderfully in this recipe. They have similar cooking times and flavor profiles, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
How can I make the soup creamier?
For a silkier texture, add a diced potato to the vegetables at the beginning or stir in about ½ cup of heavy cream towards the end of cooking. Either method will give you that indulgently smooth finish.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy and Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to warm hearts and satisfy hungry bellies. It’s so easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re a soup lover or new to split peas, give it a go—you’ll want to keep this recipe close for all your cozy moments.
Print
Cozy and Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cozy and Hearty Split Pea Soup is a comforting, nutrient-packed meal perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender split peas, savory ham, fresh vegetables, and a touch of smoked paprika, this soup offers layered flavors with a delightful creamy texture. The addition of bacon as a garnish adds a smoky crunch, while a splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the dish. It’s an easy-to-make, wholesome soup that yields plenty for sharing or leftovers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 onions, diced
- 4 carrots, peeled & sliced
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups dried split peas, rinsed and drained
- 12 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 large ham bone or 4 cups diced cooked ham
- Salt, to taste
Optional Toppings and Add-ins
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (stir in or use as garnish)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice before serving
- 1 diced potato or ½ cup heavy cream for a silkier finish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Split Peas: Stir in the dried thyme, black pepper, bay leaves, and rinsed split peas, coating them well with the sautéed vegetables and oil.
- Add Broth and Ham: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the ham bone or diced cooked ham. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the split peas to soften and the soup to thicken. When done, remove the bay leaves and ham bone (if used). Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the pot.
- Season and Brighten: Adjust the soup’s seasoning by adding salt to taste. For added complexity and brightness, stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a diced potato earlier or stir in ½ cup of heavy cream now.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled cooked bacon and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this warming, hearty meal.
Notes
- Using a ham bone adds depth of flavor, but diced cooked ham is a convenient substitute.
- For a vegetarian version, omit ham and use vegetable broth.
- Adding a diced potato or heavy cream helps achieve a silkier, richer soup.
- Stir often during simmering to prevent peas from sticking to the bottom.
- The splash of vinegar or lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the soup’s richness.
- Leftovers thicken upon standing; add extra broth when reheating if needed.
