Cozy nights and warm bowls of soup go hand in hand, especially when the weather outside is chilly. One of our favorite comfort foods to whip up on a cold evening is a hearty serving of split pea soup. The simplicity of this classic recipe belies its depth of flavor and versatility – just ask anyone who’s ever added their own twist with smoky bacon or spicy chorizo! With 18 different recipes to choose from, we’re excited to dive into the world of split pea soup and explore all the ways you can make it your own. From classic ham-based variations to vegan and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab a spoon and let’s get started!
Classic Ham and Split Pea Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of this classic soup, featuring tender ham and split peas in a savory broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked ham, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup split peas (green or yellow)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in butter until softened.
2. Add the diced ham, split peas, chicken broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the peas are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of Classic Ham and Split Pea Soup!
Vegan Split Pea Soup with Coconut Milk
A creamy and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly day, made with split peas, aromatic spices, and rich coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green split peas
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add the split peas, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until the peas are tender.
5. Stir in the coconut milk and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Smoky Bacon Split Pea Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of smoky bacon, tender peas, and savory spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound split green peas
– 6 slices of thick-cut smoky bacon, diced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the cooked bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings behind.
3. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent.
4. Add the split peas, chicken broth, water, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the peas are tender.
6. Stir in the cooked bacon and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. This recipe uses split peas, which are easier to digest than whole peas and have a creamy texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green split peas
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the pot until it reads “HOT”.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the split peas, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to “SEALING”.
5. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 10 minutes at high pressure.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Carrots
A comforting and nutritious soup perfect for a chilly day, this recipe combines the simplicity of split peas with the sweetness of carrots, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried green split peas
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and split peas to your slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Spicy Split Pea Soup with Chorizo
Experience the bold flavors of Spain with this hearty and spicy split pea soup, infused with the savory goodness of chorizo.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green split peas, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 slices chorizo, casings removed and chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chorizo and onion over medium heat until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the split peas, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the peas are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
Creamy Split Pea Soup with Potatoes
Warm up with a comforting bowl of creamy split pea soup infused with the natural sweetness of potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried split peas, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Heavy cream or milk (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in butter until softened.
2. Add the rinsed split peas, diced potatoes, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until the peas are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend, then return it to the pot.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, stir in heavy cream or milk to add richness and creaminess.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Split Pea Soup with Fresh Herbs
This classic soup recipe is a staple of many cuisines, and with the addition of fresh herbs, it’s sure to become a favorite. This simple and comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening or as a nutritious lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried split peas (green or yellow)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs: parsley, dill, or thyme (chopped)
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the split peas and place them in a large pot with chicken broth, olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until peas are tender.
3. Stir in chopped fresh herbs.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
6. If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half to add a rich and creamy texture.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Curried Split Pea Soup with Turmeric
This vibrant and aromatic soup is a perfect blend of Indian spices and comforting warmth. With the sweetness of split peas and the earthiness of turmeric, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green split peas
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the split peas and soak them in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the peas, then transfer them to a large pot with the chopped onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Add the water or broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Split Pea Soup with Smoked Sausage
A classic comfort soup that’s perfect for a chilly day, this recipe combines the simplicity of split peas with the rich flavor of smoked sausage.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried green split peas
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chicken broth, split peas, smoked sausage, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the peas are tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Split Pea and Lentil Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of protein-rich lentils and fiber-rich split peas, simmered to perfection with aromatic spices. Serve hot with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup dried split peas (green or yellow), rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, split peas, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils and peas are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Split Pea Soup with Kale and Garlic
This hearty soup combines the creamy texture of split peas with the earthy flavor of kale and pungency of garlic, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried split peas (green or yellow)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped kale leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the split peas and soak them in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the peas, then place them in a large pot with the chicken broth, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
4. Stir in the chopped kale leaves and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the greens have wilted.
5. Season with pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Split Pea Soup with Barley and Mushrooms
This comforting soup is a staple of winter comfort food, packed with protein-rich split peas, nutty barley, and earthy mushrooms. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried split peas
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup pearled barley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine split peas, water, and barley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in vegetable broth and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until peas are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Split Pea Soup with Roasted Vegetables
A hearty and comforting soup that combines the creaminess of split peas with the earthy sweetness of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green split peas, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for a creamy finish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery with olive oil on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
3. In a large pot, combine split peas, roasted vegetables, vegetable broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until peas are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half for added richness.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
Split Pea Soup with Lemon and Dill
This refreshing soup combines the comfort of split peas with the brightness of lemon and the freshness of dill, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green split peas
– 4 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped fresh dill
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the split peas and soak them in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the peas again.
3. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the soaked and drained peas, broth, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the peas are tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Split Pea Soup with Caramelized Onions
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting and flavorful soup, featuring sweet caramelized onions and tender split peas.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup dried split peas (green or yellow)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown (about 20-25 minutes).
2. Add the split peas, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or allow it to cool and blend in a food processor.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of heavy cream or half-and-half if desired.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Split Pea Soup with Sweet Potatoes
A creamy and comforting soup that combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the earthy flavor of split peas.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup dried green split peas
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Add the split peas, broth, and cumin to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree until smooth.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Split Pea Soup with Crispy Croutons
This comforting soup combines the creamy sweetness of split peas with the crunch of crispy croutons, making it a perfect winter treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried split peas (green or yellow)
– 4 cups water
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine split peas, water, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until peas are tender.
3. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
5. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy (about 10 minutes).
7. Serve soup hot with croutons on top.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Summary
Cozy up with a warm and comforting bowl of split pea soup this winter. This article features 18 delicious recipes to try, from classic ham and vegetable combinations to vegan and vegetarian options. Spice things up with smoky bacon or chorizo, or keep it simple with slow-cooked or instant pot methods. Add some extra flavor with fresh herbs, curries, or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting or light and creamy, there’s a split pea soup recipe here to suit your taste.
