Split Pea Vegetable Soup

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty and nourishing split pea vegetable soup packed with tender vegetables, ham, and warming spices. Perfect for cold days, it offers rich flavors and comforting textures, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Its thick, satisfying consistency makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups dry split peas, rinsed
  • 2 1/2 quarts water
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 6 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 6 carrots, chopped
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 2 cups cubed cooked ham
  • 1/2 medium head cabbage, shredded

Instructions

  1. In a large kettle, combine the rinsed split peas, water, allspice, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour.
  3. Stir in the potatoes, carrots, onions, cooked ham, and shredded cabbage; return to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add more vegetables or a plant-based protein like lentils. You can substitute the cabbage with kale or spinach for a different flavor profile. Consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty split pea vegetable soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Pork Chops And Apple And Sauerkraut for a satisfying dinner. Consider topping with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened. It also freezes well; just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Split Pea Vegetable Soup contains roughly 695 calories, with 17g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (268% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1151mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).

695 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17g 34% DV
Total Fat 19.6g 25% DV
Carbs 139.3g 51% DV
Fiber 35.1g 100% DV
Sugar 25.9g 52% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1151.3mg 50% DV
Potassium 2836.9mg 60% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2414.1mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 58.8mg 65% DV
Calcium 567.6mg 44% DV
Iron 8.8mg 49% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the peas and vegetables are tender.

What other vegetables can I add?

You can customize the soup by adding vegetables like celery, bell peppers, or green beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all ingredients are tender.

Is split pea soup healthy?

Absolutely! Split pea soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious meal option. It’s low in fat and can be made with plenty of vegetables, enhancing its health benefits. Enjoying it as part of a balanced diet is a great choice.

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).

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