Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of split pea soup simmering on the stove. The rich aroma of sautéed onions and garlic mingling with the earthy scent of split peas creates a nostalgic atmosphere that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. This recipe takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where my grandmother would stir a pot of green goodness on chilly afternoons, filling our home with warmth and love. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend feast, this split pea soup is sure to bring smiles around your table. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With simple instructions, this cozy soup comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthful & Hearty: Packed with protein and fiber from the split peas and enriched with veggies, it’s a nutritious choice that keeps both your body and soul satisfied.
- Savory Flavor: The combination of sautéed aromatics and tender ham creates a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and delightful.
- Customizable: There are endless ways to personalize this soup to suit your family’s tastes, making it a hit for everyone!
- Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully, making it easy to have a warm meal ready at a moment’s notice.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to get started on your cozy split pea soup:
- 1 cup split peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked ham, shredded
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
How to Make Split Pea Soup
Let’s make it together! Follow these easy steps for a bowl of creamy, comforting goodness:
- Rinse the split peas under cold water and drain them.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the split peas, broth, ham, bay leaf, and a sprinkle of pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, letting all those lovely flavors combine.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the peas are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the broth.
- Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and additional pepper to taste—the perfect finishing touch!
- If you like a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Don’t be shy; save some chunky bits for texture!
- Serve hot in your favorite bowls, and watch as it turns an ordinary meal into a delightful memory.
Variations & Creative Twists
Get ready to put your own spin on this classic recipe with some fun variations:
- Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a zesty flavor that brightens each spoonful.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a bold, warming kick. Perfect for chilly nights!
- Creamy Comfort: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end for a rich, indulgent finish that elevates the soup.
- Veggie Lovers: Incorporate diced sweet potatoes or kale for added nutrients and a pop of color, turning it into a vegetable-packed delight.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Keep these practical tips in mind for perfect results every time:
- Make-Ahead Wonder: This soup tastes even better the next day. Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it all week long!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of ham, smoked turkey or a blend of beans work wonderfully too.
- Slicing Trick: For evenly diced veggies, slice them into uniform sizes; it helps them cook evenly and makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months—just label your containers for easy access!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition information per serving (based on a 1-cup portion):
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 650mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! Split pea soup is perfect for making ahead. It tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight!
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap ham for turkey or add extra veggies to suit your taste.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It freezes well too!
- How long does it last? When properly stored, this soup can last in the fridge for about 5 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
Wrapping It Up
This split pea soup is so much more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a reminder of special moments shared around the table, and a delightful way to embrace the cozy season. With its hearty flavor and comforting texture, it’s bound to become a staple in your home. Save this Split Pea Soup to your Cozy Dinner Ideas board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat!
Cozy Split Pea Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting split pea soup that brings nostalgic flavors and hearty goodness to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked ham, shredded
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Rinse the split peas under cold water and drain them.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the split peas, broth, ham, bay leaf, and a sprinkle of pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and additional pepper to taste.
- Puree part of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamier texture if desired.
- Serve hot in your favorite bowls.
Notes
This soup tastes even better the next day. Make a big batch and enjoy it all week long! Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
