Joy of Cooking Split Pea Soup Recipe for Comfort

Split pea soup from joy of cooking emerges as a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary comfort feast.

Hearty legumes dance with aromatic vegetables, creating a velvety canvas of flavor.

This classic recipe whispers stories of heritage kitchens and warm family gatherings.

Smoky ham or tender bacon infuses depth into every spoonful, turning a simple soup into a memorable experience.

Nutritious and soul-soothing, the dish blends rustic charm with sophisticated taste.

Simmering herbs and carefully curated ingredients weave magic into each delectable bowl.

One taste of this remarkable soup will transport you to a world of pure, comforting bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Split Pea Soup Ingredient Checklist

• Celery Stalks: Choose crisp, bright green stalks with no wilting or brown spots for maximum freshness and crunch.
• Onion: Select firm, heavy onions with tight, papery skins and no soft spots for the best flavor foundation.
• Garlic Cloves: Pick plump, firm garlic with no green sprouts or soft areas to ensure robust, clean taste.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Use low-sodium broth for better control of salt levels and depth of flavor.
• Bay Leaves: Select whole, intact dried bay leaves with rich green-brown color and strong aromatic quality.
• Dried Split Peas: Choose bright green, uniform peas without cracks or discoloration for consistent cooking.
• Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground pepper for more intense, vibrant spice profile.

• Ham Bone or Diced Ham: Select meaty ham with good fat marbling for rich, smoky undertones.
• Carrots: Pick firm, bright orange carrots with smooth skin and no soft spots for natural sweetness.
• Fresh Parsley: Choose bright green, perky leaves with no wilting for a fresh, crisp garnish.

Equipment for Cooking Split Pea Soup

• Large Pot: Spacious cooking vessel for building delicious soup layers.
• Cutting Board: Solid surface for chopping vegetables safely and cleanly.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and meat preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching pot surface.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate broth and water quantities.
• Ladle: Helps serve soup smoothly and evenly.
• Colander: Optional tool for rinsing split peas before cooking.
• Meat Shredder or Forks: Helps pull apart ham meat into tender pieces.

Cooking Directions for Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup Delight

• Kickstart Flavor Foundations

Grab a hefty pot and warm some olive oil. Chop celery, onions, and garlic into tiny pieces. Toss them into the sizzling oil and dance them around until they soften and release their incredible aroma.

• Build Soup Magic

Pour chicken broth and water into your aromatic veggie base. Sprinkle in bay leaves, dried split peas, and a whisper of black pepper. Stir everything gently, letting the ingredients mingle and get acquainted.

• Introduce Ham Wonderland

Drop a ham bone or chunks of ham into the bubbling mixture. Let it reach a rolling boil, then dial down the heat. Cover and let the soup simmer lazily, transforming flavors for about an hour. Peek and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Create Hearty Layers

Slice carrots into bite-sized pieces and fold them into the simmering soup. Continue cooking until peas break down and the soup transforms into a thick, creamy dream. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

• Serve With Love

Pull out the ham bone and shred any meat back into the soup. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Ladle into bowls and serve with warm, crusty bread on the side.

Split Pea Soup Tips for Extra Flavor

• Boost Flavor Depth: Swap traditional ham bone with smoked ham hock or bacon ends for an intense, richer smoky undertone that elevates the entire soup profile.
• Customize Vegetable Mix: Experiment by adding diced potatoes, sweet parsnips, or chopped leeks to create unique texture variations and introduce additional nutritional layers to the classic split pea soup.
• Make It Creamy: Blend a portion of the soup after cooking to create a velvety smooth consistency, then stir back into the pot for a luxurious, restaurant-quality presentation that feels comforting and indulgent.
• Perfect Meal Prep: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent option for batch cooking. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore original thickness and freshness.

Great Ways to Serve Split Pea Soup

• Serve Alongside Crusty Companions: Pair this hearty split pea soup with warm, freshly baked bread or crispy sourdough slices to soak up every delicious spoonful.
• Elevate with Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Garnish with vibrant chopped parsley or chives just before serving to add a burst of color and fresh, zesty flavor that cuts through the rich soup.
• Create Comforting Meal Combinations: Match the soup with a light side salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or serve as a complete meal alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for ultimate winter comfort.
• Pack as Cozy Lunch Option: Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers for a satisfying portable lunch that reheats beautifully and provides warmth during chilly workdays or weekend outings.

Freezing and Reheating Split Pea Soup

• Preserve Soup's Freshness: Store cooled split pea soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Glass or plastic containers work perfectly for keeping flavors intact.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Seal soup tightly and refrigerate for 4-5 days maximum. Prevent flavor loss by placing plastic wrap directly on soup's surface before closing lid, which reduces air exposure.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Frozen split pea soup maintains excellent quality up to 3 months. Label containers with date for easy tracking.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw frozen soup overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency. Add extra broth if soup becomes too thick during reheating. Avoid microwaving to maintain smooth texture and prevent uneven heating.

Hearty Joy Of Cooking Split Pea Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade split pea soup offers hearty comfort with rich, smoky ham and tender vegetables simmered to perfection. Savory flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to enjoy a classic bowl of warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ lb meaty ham bone or ham shanks
• 1 (16 oz / 454 g) bag of dried split peas, picked over and rinsed
• 4 cups (946 ml) unsalted chicken broth
• 4 cups (946 ml) water
• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) chopped celery (about 3 ribs)
• 1 cup (240 ml) chopped carrots
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp (5 ml) minced garlic (1 clove)
• 1 ½ tsps (7.5 ml) chopped fresh thyme, or ½ tsp (2.5 ml) dried
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté foundation: Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium-high heat. Caramelize chopped celery and onions until translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
2. Aromatic enhancement: Incorporate minced garlic into the vegetable base, cooking for an additional minute to elevate flavor complexity.
3. Liquid and legume integration: Add chicken broth, water, bay leaves, green split peas, and initial light seasoning. Introduce ham bone and bring to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow ingredients to meld for 60-80 minutes, stirring periodically.
4. Vegetable infusion: Slice carrots and fold into the simmering mixture. Continue cooking until split peas soften and partially disintegrate, creating a rich, creamy texture.
5. Ham preparation: Extract ham bone and let rest briefly. Shred or dice meat into bite-sized portions, then reincorporate into the soup.
6. Final refinement: Taste and calibrate seasoning with additional salt as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
7. Serving: Ladle the warm, hearty soup into bowls and serve immediately, capturing the full depth of flavors.

Notes

• Pea Softening Strategy: Allow extra cooking time if split peas remain firm, as different brands and ages of peas can impact cooking duration.
• Ham Bone Magic: Using a genuine ham bone creates deeper, richer flavor compared to pre-cubed ham, enhancing overall soup complexity.
• Liquid Adjustment Tip: Monitor soup’s consistency during simmering, adding extra water or broth if mixture becomes too thick to prevent burning.
• Herb Enhancement: Fresh parsley isn’t just garnish – it adds bright, fresh notes that cut through the soup’s hearty richness, elevating the entire dish’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg