Split Pea Soup(Makes 3 Quarts; 10 To 12 Servings)
A hearty and comforting split pea soup with smoky ham flavor, perfect for chilly days and family gatherings, rich in vegetables and seasoned to taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dried split peas ⓘ
- 10 c. water ⓘ
- 2 celery tops
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 ham bone with some fat ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 3 green onions ⓘ
- 3 ribs celery ⓘ
- 4 carrots ⓘ
- 3 tsp. chicken bouillon granules ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 c. coarsely chopped baked ham ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse the split peas and soak them in 2 cups of cold water for 1 to 2 hours.
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, add the soaked peas along with 8 cups of water, celery tops, onion, garlic, and ham bone.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 hours.
- Remove and discard the celery tops, onion, and ham bone from the soup.
- Add the sliced celery, carrots, green onions, dried thyme, hot pepper sauce, chicken bouillon granules, granulated sugar, and baked ham to the soup.
- Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your split pea soup, consider adding a bay leaf during the simmering process. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ham bone with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth. If you're short on time, using canned split peas can reduce cooking time significantly, but remember to adjust the liquid accordingly. You can also add diced potatoes for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the split pea soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Rice Soup for a comforting dinner. Consider garnishing with croutons, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. This soup is also excellent for meal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup, as it may thicken when stored.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Split Pea Soup(Makes 3 Quarts; 10 To 12 Servings) contains roughly 346 calories, with 10g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (128% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (98% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 18g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this split pea soup vegetarian by omitting the ham bone and using vegetable broth instead of water. Adding smoked paprika can replicate the smoky flavor that comes from the ham. You can also enhance the flavor with additional herbs and spices.
How do I know when the peas are cooked?
The split peas are fully cooked when they have softened and broken apart. You should be able to mash them easily with a fork. If they retain a firm texture, continue simmering and check every 10 minutes until they reach the desired consistency.
What can I add to the soup for extra nutrition?
To boost the nutritional value of your split pea soup, consider adding leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added fiber and vitamins, making this a versatile dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).