Go Back
Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup Recipe

This split pea soup is a hearty, slow-simmered dish built around dried peas, aromatic vegetables, and a flavorful ham bone.
It produces a thick, creamy texture naturally, without the need for dairy or flour. Ideal for Easter leftovers, it turns simple ingredients into a nourishing one-pot meal that improves with time.
Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, it works equally well as a main course or a comforting starter for a holiday meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 6
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
  • 1 1/4 cups chopped celery
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 4 cups unsalted chicken broth
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 16 oz bag dried split peas, picked over and rinsed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds meaty ham bone or ham shanks
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and celery and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the split peas, bay leaves, and thyme. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Nestle the ham bone into the soup. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 60 to 80 minutes until the peas are tender.
  4. Remove the ham bone and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Shred or dice the meat and set aside.
  5. Add the chopped carrots to the soup. Cover and continue simmering for about 30 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas have mostly broken down and the soup has thickened.
  6. Stir the shredded ham back into the soup. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

Split pea soup proves that the most humble recipes often deliver the greatest comfort. With its velvety texture, smoky depth, and wholesome ingredients, it offers warmth that feels both nourishing and nostalgic.
Whether served after a holiday feast or on a quiet evening, it remains a dependable classic that fills both the bowl and the appetite.