Nothing beats the comfort of a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s Mom’s best ever split pea soup. 🍲 This recipe is full of tender peas, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables that blend together into a creamy, hearty delight. I still remember the first time I tried it—I was instantly hooked!
Choosing the Right Ingredients
To make this split pea soup truly irresistible, start with high-quality dried split peas. Green or yellow split peas both work wonderfully. Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions add depth and sweetness, while smoked ham or ham hocks provide a rich, savory flavor.
Don’t forget the herbs! Bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of black pepper elevate the flavors beautifully. I always keep my pantry stocked with these staples because they make the soup taste like it’s been simmering all day, even if it hasn’t.
Preparing the Soup Base
Begin by rinsing the split peas thoroughly under cold water. Then, in a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil until softened. This creates a flavorful base that will infuse the soup with delicious aroma and depth.
Next, add the rinsed peas, chopped ham, herbs, and broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, creating that comforting taste I remember from childhood.
Simmering and Seasoning
As the soup simmers, the split peas will naturally break down, thickening the soup into a creamy, velvety consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and taste for seasoning along the way. Sometimes, a touch more salt or pepper makes all the difference.
I like to remove the bay leaves and herbs before serving, but some people enjoy leaving them in for a rustic touch. Either way, the aroma alone will fill your kitchen and make everyone eager to dig in!
Serving and Enjoying
Serve this split pea soup hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or meal prep for the week. Leftovers reheat beautifully, maintaining that rich, comforting flavor.
Every spoonful brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this soup as much as I do. 💛
Mom's Best Ever Split Pea Soup
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 cups dried split peas rinsed and sorted
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper adjust to taste
- 2 bay leaves bay leaves
- 1 tsp thyme dried
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables and peas: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Rinse and sort the split peas to remove any debris.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large soup pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes over medium heat until fragrant and softened.
- Add broth, peas, and seasonings: Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, split peas, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and soup thickens.
- Blend if desired: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the split pea soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or croutons if desired. Enjoy warm and comforting!
