Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe: Hearty Comfort in Every Spoonful

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty split pea soup that warms you from the inside out.

This classic recipe carries memories of cozy kitchens and delicious simplicity.

Packed with tender green peas and savory ingredients, the soup brings rustic charm to your dining table.

Chunks of smoky ham and soft vegetables create layers of rich, satisfying flavor.

Every spoonful offers a perfect balance of nutrition and comfort.

The soup comes together quickly with basic ingredients and minimal preparation.

Let this easy split pea soup become your new go-to recipe for nourishing meals that feel like a warm embrace.

Reasons to Try Easy Split Pea Soup This Week

• Dive into a hassle-free cooking experience that lets the appliance do all the heavy lifting while you relax and enjoy your day.
• Pack your meal with protein-rich split peas and hearty vegetables, creating a wholesome dish that warms both body and soul.
• Toss ingredients into the slow cooker with minimal chopping and stirring, guaranteeing a delicious meal without hours of kitchen work.
• Transform simple, affordable ingredients into a satisfying soup that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

Split Pea Soup Ingredient Essentials

• Split Peas: A hearty legume that provides the base and rich texture for this comforting soup.
• Water: The primary liquid that helps cook and blend the ingredients together.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and savory flavor to the soup.
• Bay Leaf: Provides a subtle herbal note that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that help balance and elevate the soup's flavor.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, green color and light, clean flavor to the completed soup.

Must Have Tools for Split Pea Soup Night

• 6-quart slow cooker: Essential for easy, hands-off cooking and perfect soup consistency.
• Colander: Helps rinse and drain split peas thoroughly before cooking.
• Cutting board: Use for chopping any fresh ingredients like parsley.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the slow cooker.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Split Pea Soup Preparation Walkthrough

Step 1: Prep Peas

Gently wash the split peas under cool running water, ensuring you remove any debris or small stones.

Shake off excess water and let them drain completely in a colander.

Step 2: Layer Flavor Makers

• Split peas
• Diced ham or ham bone
• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Carrots
• Celery
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Bay leaf
• Water

Toss all these ingredients together, creating a colorful mixture that promises a comforting meal.

Step 3: Slow Cook Magic

Cover your slow cooker and set it to high heat for 4-5 hours or low heat for 8 hours.

During this time, the ingredients will meld together, creating a rich, creamy texture and deep, satisfying flavor.

Resist the urge to peek too often – let the slow cooker work its magic!

Step 4: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaf from the soup.

Stir in fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herbal note.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the soup’s natural flavors.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy your hearty creation.

Top Tips for Creamy Split Pea Soup

• Rinse split peas thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris for a cleaner, smoother soup texture.
• Swap ham with smoked turkey or bacon for different flavor profiles or make vegetarian by using vegetable broth.
• Stir occasionally during cooking and add extra broth if soup becomes too thick, maintaining a creamy but not pasty consistency.
• Add a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the soup's rich, earthy taste.
• Cool soup completely before refrigerating and consume within 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.

Ways to Mix Up Your Split Pea Soup

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ham with smoked tofu or tempeh cubes for a plant-based protein option that maintains rich, smoky flavor.
• Spicy Green Soup: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to create a zesty version with extra heat and depth.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free and serve with gluten-free crackers or cornbread for celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Version: Use low-sodium vegetable broth, eliminate added salt, and incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for natural seasoning.

Serving Up Easy Split Pea Soup for Family

• Hearty Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread for dipping, soaking up the rich, creamy soup with delightful texture.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to add extra protein and enhance the soup's savory profile.
• Garnish Glow: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or crispy croutons on top to add brightness, creaminess, and delightful crunch.
• Meal Matcher: Pair with a simple green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the soup's hearty and comforting nature, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Storing Split Pea Soup Enjoyment

• Store cooled soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with a tight lid to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water or broth if soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add water or broth to adjust consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and reaching desired temperature.

FAQs

• Do I need to soak split peas before cooking?

No, you don’t need to soak split peas for this slow cooker recipe. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the slow cooker.

• Can I use ham instead of bacon?

Absolutely! Ham is a classic protein for split pea soup. You can substitute diced ham for bacon or use ham hock for extra flavor.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this split pea soup is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels of your broth and other ingredients to confirm they are gluten-free.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a delicious vegetarian version.

Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty split pea soup delivers comforting warmth from French countryside traditions. Creamy green goodness combines simple ingredients for a nourishing meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Base:

• 20 ounces (567 grams) dried split peas (green or yellow)
• 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups leftover ham
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water

Vegetables:

• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse split peas under cold water, ensuring all debris is removed, then drain completely in a colander.
2. Transfer the cleaned peas into a 6-quart slow cooker, carefully layering all remaining ingredients except fresh parsley.
3. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to high, allowing the soup to simmer and develop rich flavors for 4-5 hours, or alternatively choose low setting for a gradual 8-hour cooking process.
4. Once cooking completes, extract and discard the bay leaf to prevent any bitter undertones.
5. Gently fold chopped parsley into the soup, providing a fresh herbaceous lift and vibrant green color.
6. Taste the soup and delicately adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced and harmonious flavor profile.

Notes

• Rinse dried peas thoroughly to remove any debris or small stones that might accidentally get into your soup.
• For a smoky flavor boost, swap ham hock with bacon or add smoked paprika during cooking for depth and richness.
• Customize protein options by using chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tempeh for vegetarian/vegan variations.
• Freeze leftover soup in individual portions for quick, nutritious meals during busy weekdays, storing up to 3 months in airtight containers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (on High) or 8 hours (on Low)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg