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Split Pea Soup

A thick, hearty American classic made with dried split peas and smoky ham, slow-simmered until velvety smooth. Deeply satisfying on a cold day and even better the next day.

90 minEasyServes 6360 cal/serving

AmericanSoupStovetopHigh ProteinHigh FiberGluten-FreeDairy-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed
  • 1 smoked ham hock (or 1 cup diced ham)
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  3. 3

    Add 2 cups rinsed dried green split peas, 1 smoked ham hock (or 1 cup diced ham), 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 bay leaves, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

  4. 4

    Cover partially and simmer, stirring occasionally, until split peas are completely soft and beginning to dissolve, about 60 to 75 minutes. Add a splash of water if the soup thickens too much.

  5. 5

    Remove the ham hock and bay leaves. Pull the meat off the ham hock, shred it, and stir it back into the pot.

  6. 6

    Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper to taste. The soup will thicken as it cools; add water or broth to reach your preferred consistency.

  7. 7

    Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Questions

Can I make Split Pea Soup ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate it up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

Can I halve or double Split Pea Soup?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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