Warm and Cozy Split Pea Soup
As the leaves begin to turn golden and the air cools, my thoughts drift to comforting meals that bring family and friends together. There’s something deeply nurturing about a warm bowl of Split Pea Soup that wraps around you like a favorite blanket. Memories flood back of my grandmother stirring a bubbling pot on chilly evenings, the savory aroma wafting through our home, pulling everyone into the kitchen.
This easy weeknight dinner recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also a cherished tradition that’s perfect for cooler days. You’ll find that each spoonful is creamy and satisfying, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy evenings. This split pea soup can be on your table in under an hour!
- Comforting and Creamy: It has a silky texture that warms your soul—ideal for a chilly evening.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is both hearty and healthy.
- Customizable and Versatile: Adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in the pantry.
- Budget-Friendly: A wholesome meal that doesn’t break the bank, making it perfect for family dinners.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To create this cozy soup, you’ll need:
- 1 cup split peas
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked ham, shredded
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
How to Make Split Pea Soup
Let’s embark on this cozy cooking adventure together!
In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes, breathing in that aromatic goodness.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the split peas, broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil, marveling at the bubbling magic.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and beginning to dissolve into the broth.
Stir in the shredded ham and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, letting the flavor deepen.
Remove the bay leaf. If you love a creamier texture, take a moment to blend the soup until silky-smooth (you can use an immersion blender right in the pot—how convenient!).
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving, and get ready to enjoy this deliciously cozy dish.
Delicious Variations to Try
Explore fun ways to customize your Split Pea Soup:
- Zesty Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright, zesty finish.
- Herb Explosion: Stir in fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- Creamy Coconut: Swap a portion of the broth for coconut milk for a rich, creamy soup with a hint of tropical flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are my best kitchen secrets for perfect results:
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to five days, and the flavors intensify over time. Consider making a big batch for easy meals.
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have ham? Use leftover turkey or even skip the meat entirely for a delicious plant-based version.
- Slice Smart: Dice your vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. This way, every bite is a balanced delight!
- Freezing for Later: This soup freezes wonderfully! Portion it out in freezer-safe containers for cozy meals on demand.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 215
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 490mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This soup is ideal for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge or freeze for later.
Can I use different ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to substitute the ham with turkey or skip the meat for a vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave!
How long does it last?
Split Pea Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for about five days and frozen for up to three months.
Wrapping It Up
There’s truly nothing like a bowl of warm, comforting Split Pea Soup to bring joy and warmth into your home. It’s perfect for gathering around the table and creating cherished memories with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, and let this cozy recipe transport you back to simpler times, filled with warmth and connection.
Save this Split Pea Soup to your dinner inspiration board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
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Warm and Cozy Split Pea Soup
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A warm bowl of creamy Split Pea Soup, perfect for chilly evenings, bringing together tradition and comfort in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked ham, shredded
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the split peas, broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes, or until the split peas are tender.
- Stir in the shredded ham and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf. Blend the soup until silky-smooth, if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to five days and freezes well. Adjust ingredient substitutions as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
