This split pea soup is simple, hearty, and full of flavor. Everything cooks in one pot, making it an ideal recipe year-round — great for a breezy spring day or as a comforting side at brunch. Leftovers are even better the next day with a warm biscuit.
If you want a healthy, one-pot meal, this split pea soup fits the bill. Below you’ll find easy instructions, ingredient details, and answers to common questions so you can make a flavorful pot every time.
How to Make Split Pea Soup from Scratch
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 cups onion, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 1 lb dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 8 oz smoked ham, cubed (pre-cooked)
- 6 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 large bay leaves
Directions
Chop – Chop all vegetables and cube the ham.
Wash & Rinse Peas – Rinse the split peas thoroughly and check for any small stones or debris.
Sauté – In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
Combine – Add the rinsed peas, cubed ham, chicken broth (or vegetable broth), water, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.
Boil & Simmer – Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 1 1/2 hours. The soup will thicken as it cooks; add more broth or water if it becomes too thick.
For a vegetarian version: use vegetable broth and omit the ham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Split Pea Soup Healthy?
Yes. Split peas are nutrient-dense and provide fiber, protein, and a range of vitamins and minerals. Combined with vegetables and lean ham (or a vegetarian broth), split pea soup makes a satisfying, nutritious meal that supports fullness and can fit into a weight-loss plan when served in appropriate portions.
What Happens if You Don’t Rinse Split Peas?
Not rinsing split peas can leave small particles of dirt or occasional stones in the soup. Always rinse and sort them before cooking to avoid grit.
Do Split Peas Need to Be Soaked Before Cooking?
No. Split peas do not require soaking. They cook relatively quickly compared to whole dried beans.
How Much Water Do You Simmer Split Peas In?
When simmering, a good guideline is about 2 cups of liquid (broth or water) per 1 cup of dried split peas. Adjust as needed during cooking to reach your preferred consistency, and season with salt near the end to taste.
Why Are My Split Peas Not Softening?
Older split peas can take longer to soften because they dry out over time. Hard water, which contains minerals, can also prevent peas from becoming tender. If peas remain firm, simmer longer and ensure you have enough liquid.
How Do You Thicken Pea Soup?
Let the soup simmer longer to reduce and thicken naturally. You can also puree part or all of the soup in a blender or use a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a little cold water and stir in) to thicken quickly.
How to Store Split Pea Soup
Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in suitable freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months.
How Long Will Split Pea Soup Last?
Refrigerated soup lasts about a week. Frozen soup will keep for up to three months when stored properly.
How to Reheat Split Pea Soup
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or warm slowly from frozen, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Enjoy Your Delicious Split Pea Soup
With these tips and the simple one-pot method, you can make a rich and comforting split pea soup with ham or an easy vegetarian version. It’s great fresh and even better reheated the next day.
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Try other easy weeknight favorites and classic comfort dishes to expand your recipe collection.
Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 cups onion, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 1 lb dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 8 oz smoked ham, cubed
- 2 large bay leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 6 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Chop – Chop vegetables and cube the ham.
- Wash & Rinse Peas – Rinse split peas and remove any debris.
- Sauté – Melt butter in a large pot and sauté potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
- Combine – Add peas, ham, broth, water, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Boil & Simmer – Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, adding more liquid if needed.
Notes
The soup will thicken as it simmers. If it becomes too thick, stir in additional broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
To make a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the ham.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.