Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or quick weeknight dinners. Thick, hearty, and full of flavor, it’s simple to make at home using pantry staples. I often simmer it while prepping other meals, letting the kitchen fill with its cozy aroma. With tender peas, soft vegetables, and subtle herbs, this soup is both filling and satisfying. It works beautifully for family meals, busy nights, or even casual lunch prep. Each spoonful feels soothing, making it a dish you’ll want to save and revisit on colder days.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Split Pea Soup is easy, budget-friendly, and wonderfully versatile. It has a natural, earthy flavor from the peas and vegetables, with a silky texture that’s comforting for everyone at the table. It’s freezer-friendly, so leftovers can be stored for quick lunches or dinners. The recipe is weeknight-friendly and crowd-pleasing, making it perfect for families or meal prep. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s ideal for Pinterest users who love cozy, comforting dishes without fuss. Whether served on its own or with bread, this soup warms the body and soul.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use green split peas for the best flavor and creamy texture.

  • 1 1/2 cups green split peas, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.

See also  Pumpkin Soup

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Add rinsed split peas, broth, thyme, bay leaf, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until peas are soft and tender, about 45–50 minutes.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Remove bay leaf. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to lightly mash some peas for a creamy texture while keeping chunks for body. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. The soup should be thick but spoonable.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Split Pea Soup is forgiving and easy to prep ahead. You can chop vegetables in advance, make the soup in one pot, and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. It reheats quickly, making it ideal for late dinners, lunch prep, or cozy meals when time is short.

Tips & Tricks

  • Rinse peas thoroughly: Rinse to remove dust or debris. Skipping this step can result in gritty texture.
  • Sauté vegetables first: Cooking onions, carrots, and celery before simmering enhances sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Avoid over-blending: Blend lightly for creamy texture but keep some chunks to maintain hearty body.
  • Adjust thickness carefully: Add more broth if soup is too thick while reheating, as peas continue to absorb liquid.

Variations

  • Meaty version: Add diced ham or cooked sausage toward the end of cooking for extra flavor and protein.
  • Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and omit meat for a cozy plant-based meal.
  • Ingredient swap: Replace carrots with sweet potatoes or parsnips for a subtly sweet twist on traditional flavor.
  • Flavor or herb boost: Add smoked paprika or fresh rosemary during cooking for a fragrant, layered taste.
See also  Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving Suggestions

  • With crusty bread: Serve with warm, sliced bread or rolls for dipping and soaking up the soup.
  • Protein boost: Add shredded cooked chicken or turkey for a more filling family meal.
  • Toppings: Garnish with fresh parsley, a swirl of yogurt, or grated cheese for visual appeal and flavor.
  • Casual bowls: Serve in rustic bowls for cozy, weeknight dinners, paired with a simple salad on the side.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving as consistency may thicken.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to adjust thickness.
  • Freezing: Let soup cool completely. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Make-ahead tips: Chop vegetables or measure peas ahead of time. Prepare soup in advance and reheat, saving time on busy days.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Rest Time: None
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 180–210 per serving
Protein: 12–14 g per serving
Key nutrients: Fiber, Iron from split peas
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, soup can be made a day in advance and reheated. Flavor improves after sitting overnight.

Add extra broth or water while reheating, as peas absorb liquid over time.

Yes, but they have a slightly sweeter flavor and softer texture.

Overcooked or poorly rinsed peas can create a gritty texture. Rinse and simmer gently.

See also  taco soup recipe

Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

Conclusion

Split Pea Soup is simple, hearty, and perfect for cozy nights or busy days. It’s easy to adapt with vegetables, herbs, or proteins, and leftovers taste just as good the next day. Keep a batch ready in the fridge or freezer for a comforting, home-cooked meal anytime. This soup brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia to the table, making it a dish you’ll return to again and again.

Split Pea Soup Save
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Split Pea Soup

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Soup Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

50

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Thick, hearty, and full of flavor, this Split Pea Soup is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and comforting in every bowl.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups green split peas, rinsed

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 2 carrots, diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • Salt, to taste

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

  • Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  • Add peas, broth, thyme, bay leaf, and pepper. Simmer 45–50 minutes until peas are tender.
  • Remove bay leaf. Mash some peas for creamy texture while keeping chunks. Season to taste.
  • Simmer 5 more minutes. Serve warm, garnished with herbs or olive oil if desired.

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