Description

This Classic Split Pea Soup is a hearty and comforting recipe featuring tender green split peas simmered with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and optional smoked ham for extra flavor. Perfect for a nutritious, filling meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop. The soup can be blended for a smoother texture and brightened with a splash of lemon juice.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped

Seasonings & Herbs

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Main Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth

Optional Ingredients

1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced cooked ham
1 tablespoon lemon juice, for brightness

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Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add Vegetables and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, peeled and chopped carrots, and chopped celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Season the Soup: Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
Add Main Ingredients: Pour in the rinsed split peas and the 6 cups of low-sodium broth. If using, add the smoked ham hock or diced cooked ham for extra smoky flavor.
Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
Finish the Soup: Remove the bay leaf and ham hock from the pot. If using a ham hock, shred any meat from the bone and return it to the soup. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup to your desired texture.
Add Brightness and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the optional lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
This soup tends to thicken as it cools; thin it with additional water or broth when reheating.
The soup freezes well for up to 3 months, making it ideal for meal prep.