There is simply something so comforting good about a bowl of hot soup, especially if it is creamy and rich and full of good health. One such trusted old standby is Split Pea Soup—a dish that has fed generations in its hearty earthy taste and warm texture. Whether as a quick and easy lunch or as a soothing dinner option, split pea soup is easy and highly satisfying.
The History of Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup has been a food that is thousands of years old. Split peas were eaten by human beings long ago and are now common in the Middle East and Europe. The Romans dried peas and kept them for eating during the entire winter months. Recipes later came to be developed, and split pea soup was also a staple food in Scandinavian countries, Germany, and the Netherlands.
In America, New England and the Midwest particularly, split pea soup was very much in vogue even in colonial times and it still is. Some people even greet the ease of having a National Split Pea Soup Week in November as a welcome respite from its simplicity and flavor.
Why Split Pea Soup Is So Popular
Split pea soup is so well-liked because it’s so wholesome, easy to handle, and fulfilling. It’s filled with:
- Plant protein
- Fiber
- Iron, magnesium, and potassium
- Complex carbohydrates
Split pea soup is ideal for vegetarians and vegans, and can easily be adapted to include meat such as ham or bacon for extra flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a flavorful pot of split pea soup, you’ll need a handful of kitchen staples. Here’s a traditional version with a vegetarian base:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried green split peas (rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 diced carrots
- 2 diced celery stalks
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 6 cups veggie broth (or chicken broth for the meat-eaters variation)
- Optional: 1 cooked, smoked ham hock, or 1/2 cup of diced cooked bacon (for the extra meat flavor)
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
Split pea soup is quite flexible. You may adjust the recipe to your likings:
- Creamy Texture: Blend half the soup with an immersion blender to give it a creamy texture.
- Add Protein: Add cooked ham, sausage, or turkey when you stir it.
- Go Spicy: Have a pinch of red chili flakes or smoked paprika.
- Bulk It Up: Add pearl barley, lentils, or potatoes for extra heartiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by rinsing the split peas in a fine-mesh colander under cold running water. Drain and reserve. Chop the vegetables so that it’s handy to cook.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In big soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté carrots, onions, and celery 5–7 minutes, or until they are tender. Stir in bay leaf, garlic, and thyme.
Step 3: Add Peas and Liquid
Add rinsed split peas to pot and add broth. Stir to combine. Add ham hock, if using.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer covered 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Peas will soften and begin breaking down.
Step 5: Discard Bay Leaf and Blend (Optional)
Discard bay leaf. For silk texture, puree some of soup with immersion blender. Or blend with stand blender—just make sure soup has cooled slightly first.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season to taste and season with pepper and salt to taste. Serve soup in bowls hot, served with crusty bread or green salad.
Serving Suggestions
Split pea soup is wonderful on its own, but goes well with:
- Garlic bread or sourdough
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- A simple green salad
- Toasted croutons or crackers
Top off with a protein-rich salad or roasted vegetable side for a satisfying meal.
Storage and Meal Prep Ideas
Split pea soup is probably one of the best things about how it keeps. It’s a brilliant thing for batch cooking and meal prep.
- Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated in air-tight container for 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions for 3 months. Cool first, then freeze and mark containers.
- Reheating: Heat gently on stovetop and add small amount of broth or water if soup gets too thick.
Nutritional Benefits
Let us consider the main benefits of split pea soup:
| Nutrient | Benefits |
|---|
| Protein | Builds and repairs muscle tissue |
| Fiber | Promotes digestion and supports heart health |
| Iron | Aids in oxygen transport through the body |
| Potassium | Helps regulate blood pressure |
| Folate | Important for cell function and growth |
The soup is fat-free, full of nutrients, and very filling—just what anybody needs for a healthier life.
Split Pea Soup Around the World
Split pea soup varies around the globe:
- Swedish Ärtsoppa: Mustard yellow split pea soup served with pancakes.
- Dutch Erwtensoep: Thick creamy green split pea soup full of pork and smoked sausage.
- Middle Eastern Variations: Lentils, cumin, and turmeric add depth.
These global variations indicate the extent of human dedication and capacity to disseminate split pea soup across world cuisine.
Tips for Ideal Soup
- Use fresh or dried peas for best texture. Old peas will be quicker to simmer or become too crunchy.
- Skip the aromatics (carrot, celery, onion) — they add deep richness.
- Low and slow cooking yields more flavor.
- Squeeze in a little lemon or vinegar at the service point to give the soup brightness.
Final Thoughts
Split pea soup isn’t only comfort food, it’s healthy, delicious, and cheap, and it should be in every house. Whether you’re serving it on home family dinner night, on meal prep weekend morning, or on cold evening in, it never disappoints to heat you up from the inside and out.