Split Pea Soup

Introduction

Split Pea Soup is the perfect marriage of wholesome comfort and earthy flavor. A staple in classic home cooking, this dish transforms simple pantry staples into a creamy, satisfying meal. It’s budget-friendly, packed with protein and fiber, and perfect for families or meal prepping. Whether served as a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner, this timeless soup earns rave reviews from anyone seeking warmth and nourishment in a bowl.

Why Split Pea Soup Is an All-Season Favorite

What sets Split Pea Soup apart is its creamy richness—achieved without dairy—and its ability to welcome both smoky and fresh flavor profiles. With just a few fresh vegetables and dried peas, you get a robust, velvety soup that only gets better as it sits. Its subtle sweetness, mingled with aromatic herbs and savory undertones, satisfies vegetarian and meat-lovers alike, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Prepping Your Vegetables for Best Flavor and Texture

Success with Split Pea Soup relies on well-prepared vegetables. For efficient, uniform chopping of carrots, celery, and onion, a tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper saves time and gives your soup a consistent texture. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and a smooth final result.

Building Depth of Flavor

Begin by sautéing aromatics in a sturdy pot until fragrant, often using chopped onions, garlic, and diced carrots. Using a reliable skillet, such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, will allow for gentle, even heat distribution and reduce the risk of scorching your vegetables. A pinch of thyme or bay leaf will deepen the earthy dimensions of the soup, while a ham bone or smoked paprika adds subtle smokiness, though both are optional.

Simmering for Creaminess

After adding split peas and broth, let the soup simmer gently. The magic lies in the slow transformation as peas soften and break apart. To achieve your preferred texture—chunky or ultra-smooth—use the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender to puree part or all of the soup. This step offers restaurant-quality silkiness in every bowl.

Serving, Storing, and Packing for Later

Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs or croutons. For easy storage and next-day lunches, transfer cooled soup into leak-proof containers like Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers. Your soup will thicken as it chills, but just stir in a splash of water when reheating for that just-made taste and texture.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This Split Pea Soup recipe makes about 6 generous servings. Each portion is high in protein, fiber, and key vitamins, typically totaling 200–250 calories per serving (depending on any added meats or garnishes).

Split Pea Soup: The Ultimate Cozy Bowl (Recap)

Relying on the natural creaminess of split peas and the flavor boost from well-chopped vegetables, this soup delivers both great nutrition and comfort. It’s easily customizable and will keep you satisfied for hours—making it a mainstay meal for any home cook.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery (using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for efficiency), and sauté for 6–8 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
2. Add split peas, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and ham hock (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Skim any foam that rises to the surface.
3. Cover and simmer for 50–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are very tender and soup thickens. Remove bay leaf and ham hock. If you like a creamy texture, puree half or all the soup using the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender (blend in batches, allowing steam to escape).
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Thin with water or broth as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
5. Ladle into bowls, top with fresh parsley or croutons as desired, and serve hot.
6. To store, allow soup to cool. Transfer to Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or in a microwave, adding water if necessary to adjust consistency.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes