Split pea soup is a thick, hearty pot of dried peas simmered with onion, carrots, celery and thyme until soft. Blend it partly for a smoother bowl or leave it chunky for a rustic feel, and serve it with crusty bread or crackers.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Split Pea Soup

To prepare this wholesome soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups dried split peas (rinsed and sorted)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2 medium carrots (diced)
2 celery stalks (sliced)
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional: diced ham or smoked turkey for added flavour

Step-by-Step Recipe for Split Pea Soup

Prepare the Split Peas:
- Rinse the split peas under cold water and check for any debris. Set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the split peas, broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the Soup:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the peas are soft and the soup reaches your desired consistency.
Optional Blending:
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Alternatively, leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
Season and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Nutritional Information of Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is highly nutritious and provides a balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cup):

Calories: 200-250
Carbohydrates: 35-40g
Protein: 10-12g
Fat: 2-4g
Fiber: 8-10g
Vitamin A: 30-40% of the Daily Value (DV)
Iron: 15-20% of the DV
Potassium: 500-600mg

Tips for Enhancing Your Split Pea Soup

Add diced ham or smoked turkey for a smoky flavour.
Use a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavour.
Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Try it today and enjoy the benefits of this wholesome meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make split pea soup without ham?

Yes. The ham or smoked turkey is optional, so the soup works well with just vegetable broth and the herbs. If you like a smoky flavour, stir in some diced ham or smoked turkey.

How long does split pea soup take to cook?

Once the vegetables have softened for 5 to 7 minutes, simmer the soup on low with the lid on for 45 to 60 minutes. Stir now and then and keep going until the peas are soft and the soup is as thick as you like.

How do I make split pea soup smoother?

Use an immersion blender to partly blend the pot, which gives a smoother texture while keeping some body. Skip the blending if you prefer a chunky, rustic bowl, and finish with a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavour.

Browse more in our Soup Recipes collection.

Split Pea Soup and Its Nutritional Information