If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and fills your home with delicious, cozy aromas, look no further than Split Pea Soup. Thick, rustic, and hearty, this classic recipe transforms humble split peas, simple vegetables, and fragrant herbs into a velvety soup that warms you to your core. It’s my go-to on chilly nights, after long days, or anytime I want wholesome flavors and memories in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Split Pea Soup is that each ingredient plays a key role: tender peas create richness, the trio of onion, carrot, and celery imparts a savory-sweet backbone, and a handful of pantry staples bring everything together. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little guidance to make each component shine:

Olive oil or butter (2 tablespoons): Choose olive oil for a rich, fruity flavor or butter for extra warmth and creaminess.
One medium onion, diced: Adds essential depth and sweetness as it slowly caramelizes in the pot.
Two carrots, diced: Their subtle sweetness brings balance and a touch of color to every spoonful.
Two celery stalks, diced: Lends earthiness and that classic savory aroma essential to most great soups.
Three garlic cloves, minced: Don’t be shy—this infuses the entire soup with gentle aromatic heat.
Dried green split peas (1 lb / 2 ¼ cups), rinsed: The star of the show; always rinse them well to remove dust and ensure a creamy result.
Chicken broth or vegetable broth (6 cups): Use chicken broth for extra savoriness or vegetable broth for a vegetarian, equally flavorful version.
One bay leaf: Adds a faint herbal note that gives this soup its traditional flavor profile.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): This herb pairs beautifully with legumes, bringing brightness to the pot.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Season at the end for perfectly balanced flavors.
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: A simple flourish that adds freshness and an appealing pop of green.

How to Make Split Pea Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating your olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until everything is softened and the kitchen smells undeniably inviting—this step creates the flavorful foundation of the soup.

Step 2: Add Split Peas and Broth

Stir in the rinsed split peas, pour in your chicken or vegetable broth, and add the bay leaf and dried thyme. At this stage, give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors. The split peas will start to plump as they absorb the delicious broth, turning from hard little beads into creamy comfort.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat immediately to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring every so often. As the Split Pea Soup cooks, the peas will gradually break down and thicken the soup. If you notice the soup is getting too thick before the peas are tender, simply add a splash more broth or water.

Step 4: Season and Finish

Once the split peas are soft and the soup has reached a luscious, hearty thickness, season it well with salt and plenty of black pepper. Fish out the bay leaf and, if you like your soup extra creamy, go ahead and blend a portion (or all) with an immersion blender. Top each steaming bowl with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish.

How to Serve Split Pea Soup

Garnishes

A simple handful of chopped fresh parsley brightens up every bowl, but you can take things further with a drizzle of good olive oil, a sprinkle of crispy croutons, or even crunchy bacon bits if you’re feeling indulgent. Cracked black pepper on top is always a winning touch.

Side Dishes

Split Pea Soup is filling on its own, but it pairs perfectly with rustic bread, a slice of toasted sourdough, or a soft, fluffy dinner roll for dunking. For something lighter, serve the soup alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette—trust me, the contrast is lovely.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, serve the soup in small mugs as an appetizer or as part of a soup and sandwich duo. For special occasions, swirl in a spoonful of yogurt or crème fraîche and top with snipped chives for an elegant finish. You can even serve it inside a hollowed bread bowl for cozy, hands-on fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Split Pea Soup is how well it stores. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay delicious for 4 to 5 days. The flavors will deepen over time, which means tomorrow’s bowl might taste even better!

Freezing

This soup is a meal prep superstar! Let the soup cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leave some space for expansion). It keeps in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick, nourishing meal whenever you need it.

Reheating

To reheat Split Pea Soup, simply warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. The soup thickens as it rests, so just add a splash of water or broth until it reaches your preferred consistency. You can microwave individual portions as well, just stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I make Split Pea Soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version that’s every bit as rich and flavorful. For vegan, just use olive oil instead of butter and you’re set.

Why do my split peas not soften?

Sometimes older split peas can take longer to cook or may stay a bit firm. Always check the package date and simmer a bit longer if needed. If you’re using hard water or acidic ingredients, these can slow down softening, too.

Can I add ham or other meat to Split Pea Soup?

Definitely! If you like, add diced ham or a leftover ham bone to the pot along with the peas and broth. The smoky depth it adds is fantastic. Simply shred any meat off the bone and stir it back in at the end.

Is it okay to blend Split Pea Soup?

Yes, this soup is wonderfully versatile! Use an immersion blender or a regular blender (in batches) to create a smoother texture, or blend just half the batch to keep a mix of creamy and chunky bites.

What if my soup is too thick?

No worries—it’s totally normal for Split Pea Soup to thicken as it cooks or cools. Just stir in extra broth or water when reheating until it’s just the way you like it.

Final Thoughts

There are few things as satisfying as a homemade pot of Split Pea Soup. With its soothing texture, nourishing ingredients, and the power to feed a crowd or just yourself for days, this soup deserves a spot in every home cook’s rotation. Give it a try—you may just find it becomes your signature comfort food too!