Hearty Split Pea Soup

Cozy up with a bowl of this hearty split pea soup, a timeless comfort food that’s both nourishing and delicious. Featuring tender green split peas, aromatic vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery, and the flavorful depth of a smoked ham hock, this one-pot recipe is perfect for chilly evenings. Simmered slowly with low-sodium chicken broth, garlic, thyme, and a hint of black pepper, the result is a creamy, rustic soup that’s packed with protein and wholesome goodness. Ready in under two hours, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, and it pairs beautifully with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Whether you're craving comfort or looking for a hearty, nutrient-packed meal, this split pea soup is sure to hit the spot.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried green split peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large ham bone or smoked ham hock
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the split peas under cold water and pick through for any debris. Set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Place the ham bone or smoked ham hock into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and water.

Step 6

Stir in the rinsed split peas, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

After about an hour, check the texture of the peas. They should be soft and beginning to break down, creating a creamy consistency. If the soup is too thick, add more water or broth as needed.

Step 9

Remove the ham bone or hock from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred any meat from the bone, discarding any excess fat. Return the shredded ham to the soup.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 11

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 12

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2941 grams (2941.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2232

Total Fat 60.40g	77%
Saturated Fat 13.70g	69%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 119mg	40%
Sodium 5235mg	228%
Total Carbohydrate 289.50g	105%
Dietary Fiber 108.60g	388%
Total Sugars 50.60g
Protein 149.50g	299%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 428mg	33%
Iron 24mg	135%
Potassium 5485mg	117%

*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: 23.6%

Protein: 26.0%

Carbs: 50.4%