Name: Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 carrots, diced; 3 ribs of celery, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 bay leaf; 1 meaty ham bone; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3 to 4 cups water; 1 cup diced ham (from ham bone or added separately); Finely chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, nothing beats a warm, filling soup that feels like a hug on a chilly day. This Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe is just that — packed with flavor, nourishing, and surprisingly simple to make. I’ve been making this soup on weekends when I want something wholesome to sip on while catching up on a good book or chatting with friends. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through all the little details that turn humble split peas and veggies into a creamy, dreamy, cozy masterpiece you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple, Whole Ingredients: Using basic pantry staples like split peas and fresh veggies creates a pure, hearty flavor.
Slow Simmering Magic: Letting the soup gently simmer lets those peas break down perfectly, thickening without extra cream.
Ham Bone for Depth: Adding a meaty ham bone infuses rich, smoky notes that take the soup from basic to brilliant.
Flexibility and Comfort: Easy to tweak for taste, texture, and whatever you have on hand, making it a weeknight winner.

Hearty Split Pea Soup, hearty split pea soup, easy split pea soup recipe, comforting pea soup, healthy split pea soup - A large white pot filled with thick green split pea soup, showing small orange carrot pieces and light brown bits spread throughout the smooth, slightly chunky soup. A silver ladle is dipped into the soup on the right side. Around the pot, there are small white bowls with black pepper and chopped green herbs, and a white marbled surface underneath. Some green parsley leaves appear in the upper part of the image, and a white cloth with black stripes is visible on the left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe balances earthy split peas with sweet carrots and aromatic celery, creating a savory base that’s naturally rich and creamy once cooked. Each ingredient plays a role to bring out the best textures and flavors — plus, it’s pretty forgiving on substitutions if you need to tweak things.

Hearty Split Pea Soup, hearty split pea soup, easy split pea soup recipe, comforting pea soup, healthy split pea soup - Flat lay of extra-virgin olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, one medium peeled and diced onion, three fresh peeled and diced carrots, three crisp celery ribs diced, two whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl of dried green split peas, a few dried thyme sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, one fresh bay leaf, a meaty ham bone with some ham meat attached, a small white ceramic bowl of low-sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, about one cup of diced fresh ham, and a small pile of finely chopped fresh parsley, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps sweat the veggies for deeper flavor development.
Onion: A foundational flavor, onion’s sweetness softens and rounds out the soup’s profile.
Carrots: Bring a gentle natural sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the bowl.
Celery: Offers a fresh, slightly herbal note that complements the peas perfectly.
Garlic: Just a little punch of savory aroma goes a long way here.
Dried split peas: The star ingredient — they cook down to a luscious, velvety texture without any cream needed.
Dried thyme: Earthy and fragrant, thyme adds subtle complexity without overpowering.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the soup’s flavors.
Bay leaf: Adds a gentle herbal undertone that enriches the broth’s depth.
Ham bone: Imparts smoky, meaty depth that transforms this soup from simple to soul-warming (don’t skip it if you can!).
Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that forms the base—low sodium lets you control saltiness better.
Water: Keeps things light and lets the vegetables and peas shine.
Diced ham: Stirred in at the end for satisfying bites and extra protein.
Fresh parsley: A bright, herbaceous garnish that lifts the whole dish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with my Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe depending on what I have handy or my mood. Sometimes I go vegetarian by swapping out the ham bone and ham for smoked paprika and extra veggies, and other times I toss in a dash of curry powder for an unexpected twist. Don’t be shy about making this recipe your own — the split peas are a forgiving canvas!

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve swapped the ham bone for extra vegetable broth and added smoked paprika and liquid smoke — it’s shockingly good!
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes gives the soup a little heat that wakes up the palate.
Herbal Boost: Fresh rosemary or sage instead of thyme creates a different herbaceous vibe that’s equally comforting.
Texture Tweak: For chunkier soup, I partially blend with an immersion blender, leaving some peas whole — my family loves it both ways.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Flavor Base

Start by heating extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat — I use my trusty Dutch oven for even heat. Toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery, then let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic last, sautéing for just another minute so it doesn’t burn but releases its aroma. This step is key because it lays the flavor foundation you’ll notice throughout the soup.

Step 2: Add Peas and Seasonings

Once the veggies are softened, stir in the rinsed split peas along with thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix so those peas get coated in oil and flavors, which helps them cook more evenly later on. I like this tactile step — it’s like prepping a flavorful canvas for the broth.

Step 3: Build the Broth with Ham Bone and Liquids

Next up, add your bay leaf, meaty ham bone, low-sodium chicken broth, and 3 cups of water. Crank the heat until the pot comes to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cover partially. Let the soup cook for 50 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to watch the texture here — the peas should break down and thicken the soup into a luscious consistency that’s not too thin or gloopy.

Step 4: Finish With Diced Ham and Adjust Thickness

Grab the ham bone using tongs and place it on a cutting board. Dice the ham meat you’ve cooked off the bone—about a cup—and stir it back into the pot. Let the soup simmer uncovered for another 5 to 15 minutes until it’s thickened your way. I always keep an eye on this part because the soup thickens as it cools, so I err on the side of slightly thinner and add water if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Before serving, toss out the bay leaf — it’s done its job! Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a crack of black pepper. I love this final touch because it adds fresh color and a slight herbal brightness that balances the rich depth of the soup.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Watch the Water: The soup thickens as it cools, so stop simmering when it’s just a little thinner than you want.
Don’t Rinse Your Peas Too Much: A quick rinse is enough to remove dust; soaking isn’t necessary and can turn peas mushy.
Use Low-Sodium Broth: This gives you control over salt so the soup doesn’t end up too salty, especially with the ham bone.
Careful with Timing: Keep an eye near the end to prevent sticking or scorching at the bottom—stir as needed.

How to Serve Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe

Hearty Split Pea Soup, hearty split pea soup, easy split pea soup recipe, comforting pea soup, healthy split pea soup - The image shows a white bowl filled with thick yellow-green soup that has small pieces of orange carrot and light pink chunks of meat inside. The soup is topped with small green herb bits and black pepper. Another bowl of the same soup is behind it, slightly out of focus. To the right side, there are two small white bowls, one filled with chopped green herbs and the other with coarse salt and pepper. A silver spoon rests beside the front bowl on a white cloth with black stripes, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I keep things simple with fresh parsley for color and brightness, but sometimes I add a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar when I want that extra creaminess. Crumbled crispy bacon on top is a crowd-pleaser in my house, adding crunch and smoky flavor that complements the soup perfectly.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is my go-to, especially a sourdough baguette or a thick slice of toasted rye. Sometimes I serve it alongside a crisp green salad to lighten the meal, or a plate of roasted root veggies for an extra dose of comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in small, hollowed-out bread bowls — it feels cozy and fun, plus you get to eat the bowl! Garnishing with tiny herb sprigs or edible flowers adds a charming touch if you’re entertaining. I’ve also tried layering it with a drizzle of chili oil or pesto to jazz things up visually and flavor-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to mingle. Just give it a good stir before reheating because the peas settle and thicken overnight.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving headspace for expansion. When thawed, it might be a bit thicker, so just stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up — no one will know the difference!

Reheating

I reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a little broth or water if it’s gotten too thick to your liking.

FAQs

Do I need to soak the split peas before making this soup?

Nope! One of the great things about split peas is that they cook relatively quickly and don’t require soaking like other dried legumes. Just give them a quick rinse, and they’re ready to go.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely. Replace the ham bone and ham with vegetable broth and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky depth. Skip the meat and you’ll still have a rich, filling split pea soup that’s completely plant-based.
How do I prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of my pot?

Stir occasionally during simmering, especially toward the end when the soup thickens. Using a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven also helps distribute heat evenly and minimize burning.
What if I want thinner soup?

Simply add extra water or broth a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. It’s easier to thin out thick soup than to thicken a thin one!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so deeply satisfying about a bowl of homemade split pea soup that warms you from the inside out. I love recommending this Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe to friends because it’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and wonderfully adaptable — plus, it keeps well enough to enjoy throughout the week. Give it a try on your next cozy night in, and I’m sure it’ll become a kitchen staple in your house, just like it is in mine.