Creamy Split Pea Soup (Printable)

Creamy winter soup with split peas, vegetables, and smoky depth

# Ingredient List:

→ Legumes

01 - 2 cups dried split green peas, rinsed

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced

→ Aromatics & Liquids

07 - 1 bay leaf
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 6 cups vegetable broth
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Optional Additions

11 - 1 cup diced smoked ham or 1 ham bone

→ Seasonings

12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - Salt to taste

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add split peas, diced potato, bay leaf, thyme, and broth. If using, add ham or ham bone.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until peas are soft and soup is thickened.
05 - Remove the ham bone (if used) and bay leaf. If using ham, stir diced ham back in.
06 - For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, or blend half in a blender and return to the pot.
07 - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Split peas dont require soaking unlike most dried beans so dinner happens fast
  • The texture transforms into something incredibly creamy without any actual cream
  • This soup costs almost nothing to make but tastes like it simmered all day
02 -
  • The soup will continue to thicken as it stands so dont panic if it looks thinner than expected when you first turn off the heat
  • If you want the smoky flavor without meat add smoked paprika when you add the broth
  • Blending only half the soup creates the perfect balance of creamy and chunky textures
03 -
  • Rinse your split peas thoroughly before using to remove any debris or dust
  • Start with less salt than you think you need since the broth reduces and concentrates as it simmers
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