Mouth-Watering Split Pea Soup Recipes
Last Updated on 11/06/2024 by Nell Marie
There’s just something wonderfully cozy about a bowl of split pea soup.
It’s thick, hearty, and packed with rich, earthy flavors that warm you right up.
Whether you love the traditional version with smoky ham or prefer a veggie-packed twist, split pea soup is a total comfort food classic.
In this roundup, I’ve pulled together some of the best split pea soup recipes out there – each with its own unique spin!
So, get ready to find your new favorite way to enjoy this wholesome, delicious soup.
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Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is a comforting, thick soup made primarily from dried split peas.
These peas are soft and starchy, which helps them break down during cooking to create a smooth, creamy texture without needing cream.
Typically, split pea soup includes a base of flavorful vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, and many traditional recipes add ham or a ham bone for a smoky depth.
However, there are also plenty of delicious vegetarian versions that swap the meat for extra vegetables or seasoning.
It’s a cozy, nutritious meal that’s been enjoyed in various cultures for its rich flavor and satisfying heartiness.
How Do You Cook Split Pea Soup?
You can cook split pea soup using an Instant Pot, Crockpot, or on the stovetop – all three methods work beautifully!
Instant Pot: For a quick, hands-off option, the Instant Pot is a fantastic choice. Simply sauté your onions, garlic, and any other veggies right in the pot, then add split peas, broth, seasonings, and any meat (if using).
Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for about 15-18 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes. The result is a creamy, well-cooked soup in a fraction of the stovetop time.
Crockpot: If you prefer a slow-cooked, set-it-and-forget-it method, a Crockpot works perfectly. Add all ingredients to the pot, set it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, and let it cook until the peas are tender and the flavors are well-developed.
The slow cooking allows the flavors to blend beautifully, and the soup will have a thick, satisfying texture.
Stovetop: For the classic approach, you can’t go wrong with a stovetop. Start by sautéing your aromatics and veggies in a large pot, then add the split peas, broth, and seasonings.
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, partially cover the pot, and let it cook for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the peas have softened and thickened the soup.
All three methods deliver a cozy, comforting split pea soup – it just depends on how much time and effort you’re up for!
Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup
Here are some tips to make your split pea soup extra delicious and flavorful:
Use a Ham Bone or Smoked Meat: If you’re open to adding meat, a ham bone or smoked ham hock infuses the soup with a deep, smoky flavor. If you don’t have a bone, diced smoked sausage, bacon, or pancetta can also add richness.
Sauté Your Veggies First: Sautéing onions, garlic, carrots, and celery before adding them to the soup gives the soup a more complex, savory flavor. It’s worth the extra step for that extra depth!
Season in Layers: Split peas tend to absorb flavors as they cook, so add a little salt, pepper, and herbs (like thyme or bay leaf) at the beginning, then adjust again toward the end. A dash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors, too!
Keep an Eye on Liquid Levels: Split peas can absorb a lot of liquid as they cook. Add more broth or water if the soup is thicker than you like. If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a velvety texture.
Let it Rest: Split pea soup often tastes even better after sitting for a bit, as the flavors continue to meld. If you can, make it ahead of time, or save leftovers for a more flavorful bowl the next day.
Add Herbs for a Fresh Finish: Toss in fresh parsley, thyme, or even a sprinkle of dill or chives at the end to add a pop of freshness.
With these tips, you’ll get a split pea soup that’s full of hearty, comforting flavor in every spoonful!
Split Pea Soup & with Ham
Split Pea Soup with Ham is a classic, comforting dish known for its rich, smoky flavor and thick, creamy texture. Made with dried split peas, tender pieces of ham, and aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, it’s a satisfying, one-pot meal that’s perfect for colder days.
The ham – often added as diced pieces or a ham bone – brings a deep, savory flavor that infuses the soup as it simmers. As the split peas cook down, they soften and thicken the broth, creating a velvety texture without the need for cream. It’s a hearty, protein-packed soup that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, with each spoonful offering a perfect balance of smokiness and warmth.
Split Pea with Hambone!
Split Pea Soup Crockpot
Cooking split pea soup in a Crockpot is an easy and hands-off way to make this cozy classic. Just add dried split peas, diced ham or a ham bone, and your favorite soup veggies like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic directly into the pot. Pour in enough broth or water to cover everything, add seasonings like bay leaves and thyme, then cover and set the Crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
As it cooks, the split peas will slowly break down and thicken the soup, creating a creamy, hearty texture. By the end of the cooking time, the flavors will be beautifully melded, and the soup will be ready to enjoy without needing to stand by the stove.
Split Pea Soup Instant Pot
Cooking split pea soup in an Instant Pot is perfect when you want all the flavor of a long-simmered soup but don’t have hours to spare. Start by using the sauté function to soften onions, garlic, carrots, and celery directly in the pot, which enhances the soup’s flavor. Then, add dried split peas, diced ham or a ham bone, seasonings like bay leaves and thyme, and enough broth to cover everything.
Lock the lid, set the Instant Pot to high pressure for about 15-18 minutes, and allow for a natural release of pressure for around 10-15 minutes. Once you open the lid, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful soup ready to go! The pressure cooking process breaks down the split peas quickly, creating a rich, thick texture in a fraction of the time.
Stove Top Split Pea Soup
Making split pea soup on the stovetop gives you that classic, slow-cooked flavor and allows you to keep a close eye on its texture as it cooks. Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, which adds a rich base to the soup. Add the dried split peas, diced ham or a ham bone, and seasonings like bay leaves and thyme, then pour in enough broth to cover everything.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The split peas will gradually break down, thickening the soup and developing a creamy texture. Once the peas are fully softened and the flavors are well-blended, season to taste and enjoy a cozy, homemade bowl of split pea soup!
Split Pea Soup Vegetarian
Making a vegetarian split pea soup is simple, and you can keep it just as flavorful and hearty without meat! Here’s how:
- Skip the Ham, Add Flavorful Alternatives: Since ham or a ham bone is often used for smoky flavor, you can add alternatives like smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Just a teaspoon or two of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke will give a rich, smoky note.
- Use Vegetable Broth: Use a good-quality vegetable broth as the base to add depth. You can even try a mushroom or roasted vegetable broth for an earthier flavor.
- Boost Umami with Ingredients Like Soy Sauce or Miso: A small splash of soy sauce or a spoonful of white miso paste can enhance the savory flavor of the soup. These add a nice umami boost to make the soup more satisfying.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Load up on veggies like carrots, celery, onions, and even potatoes. These vegetables add texture and flavor, making the soup hearty and filling. You could also add greens like spinach or kale at the end for added nutrients and color.
- Herbs and Spices: Dried thyme, bay leaves, rosemary, and fresh parsley bring out a lot of flavor in vegetarian split pea soup. Adding garlic and a pinch of cumin or coriander can also enhance the savory flavors.
- Finish with Acid for Brightness: Just before serving, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to balance the richness and make the flavors pop.
With these adjustments, you’ll get a delicious, smoky, and satisfying vegetarian split pea soup that everyone will love!
Final Thoughts
No matter how you choose to cook it—whether in the Crockpot, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop—split pea soup is a wonderfully comforting dish that’s easy to customize and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Each method brings out its own unique flavors and textures, but they all result in a rich, hearty soup that’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy a bowl of homemade split pea soup that’s both nutritious and delicious, warming you from the inside out.
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