Easy Split Pea Soup

Cozy up with a comforting bowl of Easy Split Pea Soup, a hearty, one-pot recipe that's simple to prepare and packed with nourishing flavors. Made with tender dried split peas, aromatic garlic, and a medley of sautéed vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, this soup boasts a rich, creamy texture without the need for dairy. Infused with warming spices like thyme and an optional hint of smoked paprika, this dish can be effortlessly customized as vegetarian or enhanced with smoky ham for a more traditional twist. Ready in just over an hour and perfect for meal prep, this homemade split pea soup is a satisfying dinner that pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread. Whether you're craving a cozy weeknight meal or a budget-friendly recipe, this easy-to-make soup is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 87/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried split peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 ham hock or diced ham (optional for non-vegetarian version)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the split peas under cold water and pick out any debris or stones. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 5

Stir in the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). If making the non-vegetarian version, add the ham hock or diced ham at this point.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 50-60 minutes. Stir occasionally and check to make sure the peas are breaking down into a creamy consistency.

Step 7

Remove and discard the bay leaf (and the ham hock, if used). Use a spoon to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer some or all of the soup to a blender, process until smooth, and return it to the pot.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2903.2 grams (2903.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2639

Total Fat 57.30g	73%
Saturated Fat 11.20g	56%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.40g
Cholesterol 35mg	12%
Sodium 7918mg	344%
Total Carbohydrate 402.10g	146%
Dietary Fiber 136.90g	489%
Total Sugars 78.90g
Protein 154.20g	308%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 699mg	54%
Iron 32mg	178%
Potassium 8839mg	188%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.8%

Protein: 22.5%

Carbs: 58.7%