The warmth of split pea soup wafts through the kitchen like an old friend’s hug, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. The vibrant green color dances in your bowl, promising a flavor explosion that can brighten even the gloomiest of days.

Imagine sitting down to a steaming bowl of this velvety treasure on a chilly evening, where each spoonful feels like a hearty hug that warms you from the inside out. Maybe it was that one rainy day when you desperately needed comfort food or a family gathering where this classic dish stole the show. Whatever the occasion, split pea soup has a way of turning moments into memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful split pea soup is not only easy to prepare but also packs a punch with its rich, savory flavors
- You can customize it according to your taste preferences and pantry staples
- Its vibrant green hue makes it an appealing addition to any dinner table
- Perfect for serving on chilly nights or as delicious leftovers for lunch!
There was that time I made this for my friends, and they were practically fighting over the last spoonful—who knew peas could cause such excitement?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Split Peas: Opt for green or yellow split peas; both create a creamy texture and absorb flavors beautifully.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; choose fresh ones for maximum flavor.
Carrots: Diced carrots add color and natural sweetness; look for firm, bright orange varieties.
Celery: Chopped celery infuses a crisp, aromatic essence into the soup; select stalks that are crunchy and fresh.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance flavor; use whole cloves for a milder taste or minced for more intensity.
Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control saltiness while enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
Bay Leaves: These leaves add depth; remember to remove them before serving as they’re not edible.
Pepper and Salt: Season to taste; fresh ground pepper adds warmth while salt brings out all those lovely flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start by prepping your ingredients: Finely chop the onion, carrots, and celery while your split peas soak in cold water for about an hour—this helps them soften quickly while cooking.
Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent and fragrant. Incorporate diced carrots and celery, cooking until they soften slightly.
Add the Split Peas: Drain the soaked split peas and toss them into the pot along with minced garlic. Stir everything together until coated with those aromatic veggies’ goodness.
Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in vegetable broth enough to cover everything generously. Toss in bay leaves along with salt and pepper to taste—your kitchen will begin to smell divine!
Simmer Away: Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes until peas are tender—stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
Blend Until Smooth: For extra creaminess, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer batches into a regular blender. Blend until silky smooth—or leave some chunks if you prefer texture!
Now serve yourself a generous portion, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired! Enjoy every bite of this comforting bowl of split pea soup that’s sure to warm both your belly and heart.
You Must Know
- Split pea soup is not just easy to make; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl
- The vibrant green color and hearty texture make it both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for chilly days or when you need comfort food
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add split peas and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until tender for optimal flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your split pea soup with spices like cumin or smoked paprika. You can also add diced carrots, celery, or even ham for an extra layer of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover split pea soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding water if necessary to maintain consistency.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your soup is flavorful, don’t skip the sautéing step; it builds depth
- Use fresh herbs like thyme to brighten flavors
- Always taste before serving; adjusting seasoning can make a big difference
Sometimes I think my split pea soup could win a popularity contest at family gatherings; everyone raves about how comforting it is!
FAQ
What are the benefits of making split pea soup?
Split pea soup is nutritious, filling, and budget-friendly, perfect for meal prep.
Can I use dried peas instead of split peas?
You can use dried peas but must soak them overnight before cooking.
How long does split pea soup last in the fridge?
Properly stored, split pea soup lasts about five days in the refrigerator.

Delicious Split Pea Soup
Warm and inviting, this split pea soup transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, nourishing dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. With its vibrant green color and rich flavor, each spoonful feels like a comforting hug, making it an ideal meal for gatherings or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare and customizable, this recipe ensures you’ll have a delicious bowl of goodness ready in no time.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or yellow split peas
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Soak the split peas in cold water for about an hour.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté diced onions until translucent.
- Stir in diced carrots and chopped celery; cook until slightly softened.
- Drain split peas and add them to the pot with minced garlic. Mix well.
- Pour in vegetable broth to cover the mixture generously; add bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes until peas are tender.
- Blend with an immersion blender for smoothness or leave some chunks for texture.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg