Split Pea Soup

This comforting Split Pea Soup recipe blends hearty vegetables, potatoes, and savory ham into a creamy base of split peas and chicken broth. Seasoned with aromatic herbs like marjoram and thyme, this soup is a nourishing and satisfying dish perfect for any time of year.

Why Make This Recipe

This easy-to-make Split Pea Soup is a classic comfort food that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a great way to use up leftover ham and create a wholesome meal that the whole family will love.

How to Make Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon marjoram
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6-8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 lb dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 ½ lb ham bone (or use diced ham if boneless)
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 large carrots, chopped
• 1 large Yukon gold or red potato, peeled and diced
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Saute Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery. Cook until softened, stirring occasionally.
2. Add Seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Stir in minced garlic, marjoram, dried thyme, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook Peas and Ham: Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, rinsed split peas, ham bone (or diced ham), and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered for 60-80 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more chicken broth as needed to achieve desired consistency.
4. Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped carrots and diced potato. Continue to simmer until split peas, ham, carrots, and potatoes are tender, about 20-30 minutes more.
5. Prepare Ham: Remove the ham bone from the soup. Using a fork, pull the meat from the bone, discarding any fat and bones. Return the pulled ham to the pot.
6. Season and Serve: Remove bay leaves from the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Garnish each serving with chopped fresh thyme or parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this hearty Split Pea Soup as a main dish with crusty bread or a side of salad. It also freezes well, so make a big batch and store it for later meals.

Storage Tips

Store leftover Split Pea Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to thin if necessary.

Tips for Making Split Pea Soup

• Rinsing Split Peas: Rinse the dried split peas under cold water and sort through them to remove any debris or discolored peas before adding them to the soup.
• Ham Options: If you don’t have a ham bone, you can use diced ham instead. Adjust the cooking time accordingly since diced ham will not need as much time to cook.
• Adjusting Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less chicken broth or water during cooking.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You may want to add extra seasonings to enhance the flavor.

2. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Saute the vegetables and seasonings as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the split peas and vegetables are tender.

3. Can I freeze Split Pea Soup? Yes, Split Pea Soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy preparing and savoring this comforting Split Pea Soup with your loved ones!