Hearty Split Pea Soup: The BEST Easy Recipe EVER!

Hearty split pea soup. There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of classic pea soup, especially when the days grow shorter and the evenings turn cool. This hearty split pea soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a taste of home, reminiscent of the simple, satisfying dishes my grandmother used to make. This version is packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

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Why You Will Love This hearty split pea soup Recipe

This recipe is a true winner for so many reasons. Firstly, it’s unbelievably comforting. Imagine curling up on the couch with a steaming bowl of this soup on a chilly evening. Secondly, it’s incredibly easy to make. No fancy techniques or hard to find ingredients required! Just simple steps that lead to a delicious result. You might also want to try our Hearty Chickpea Soup for another satisfying and easy option.

What truly sets this hearty split pea soup apart is the depth of flavor. The combination of smoked ham hock, vegetables, and herbs creates a rich, savory broth that’s simply irresistible. It is also a great make ahead dish.

Ingredients Needed for This hearty split pea soup Recipe

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 pound)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound green split peas, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This hearty split pea soup Recipe

1. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

1. 2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

1. 3. Add the ham hock, chicken broth, split peas, thyme, marjoram, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the split peas are tender and the ham hock is falling apart.

1. 4. Remove the ham hock from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat from the bone and discard the bone, skin, and any excess fat.

1. 5. Return the shredded ham to the pot.

1. 6. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer some of the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. Be cautious when blending hot liquids! You might also enjoy some Tomato Soup Dumplings as a side to this warming winter soup.

1. 7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

1. 8. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

How to Serve This hearty split pea soup Recipe

This hearty split pea soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some tasty additions. Consider serving it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping, or topping it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You could also add some croutons for extra crunch or a drizzle of olive oil for richness. Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.

How to Store This hearty split pea soup Recipe

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.

To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in a microwave safe bowl. When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make This hearty split pea soup Recipe

• For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.

• If you don’t have dried thyme and marjoram, you can use an Italian seasoning blend instead.

• If you prefer a smoother soup, blend it completely with an immersion blender or in a regular blender.

• Don’t add salt until the end of cooking, as the ham hock can be quite salty. Taste the soup before adding any additional salt.

Helpful Notes for This hearty split pea soup Recipe

The ham hock is crucial for adding depth and smoky flavor to the soup. If you can’t find a ham hock, you can use smoked ham shanks or even diced smoked ham. Make sure to rinse the split peas thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris. The split peas will thicken the soup as they cook, so add more broth if needed to reach your desired consistency. I find my favorite way to make soup is in my Pressure Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup.

Variation of This hearty split pea soup Recipe

• Spicy Split Pea Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup for a little heat.

• Curried Split Pea Soup: Add a tablespoon of curry powder to the soup along with the thyme and marjoram for an exotic twist.

• Creamy Split Pea Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier soup.

Conclusion

This hearty split pea soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, warms the soul, and leaves everyone feeling satisfied. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful classic pea soup as much as I do. I encourage everyone to try this hearty split pea soup recipe.

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Hearty Split Pea Soup: The BEST Easy Recipe EVER!

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• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and flavorful hearty split pea soup recipe made with smoked ham hock, vegetables, and herbs.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 pound)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound green split peas, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ham hock, chicken broth, split peas, thyme, marjoram, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the split peas are tender and the ham hock is falling apart.
4. Remove the ham hock from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat from the bone and discard the bone, skin, and any excess fat.
5. Return the shredded ham to the pot.
6. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer some of the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. Be cautious when blending hot liquids!
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: split pea soup, ham hock, soup, hearty, comforting