
Classic Split Pea Soup
A thick, hearty, and deeply satisfying soup that has warmed kitchens for generations. Dried split peas slowly simmer with a smoky ham hock, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs until they melt into a naturally creamy, velvety broth — no blender needed. This is the kind of no-fuss, one-pot comfort food that gets even better the next day.
6 servings · Prep 15 min · Cook 105 min · Total 120 min
Soup
Ingredients
Open in recipe scaler →
1 lb green split peas rinsed and picked over
1 smoked ham hock
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 yellow onion diced
3 stalks celery diced
3 carrots peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic minced
8 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 cup water
2 whole bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp kosher salt plus more
2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
4 slice crusty bread for serving
Equipment
Stovetop
Dutch Oven
Mixing Bowl
Pot
Wooden Spoon
Lid
Plates
Spatula
Knife
Tongs
Ladle
Cutting Board
Colander
Sieve
Instructions
- Rinse the @[Green Split Peas] under ^[cold water] in a #[Sieve], picking out any small stones or shriveled peas. Set aside. No soaking is required.
- In a large #[Dutch Oven] or heavy-bottomed #[Pot], melt the @[Butter] over ^[medium heat]. Add the diced @[Yellow Onion], @[Celery], and @[Carrots]. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about ~[7–8 minutes].
- Add the minced @[Garlic] and cook, stirring constantly, for ~[1 minute] until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed @[Green Split Peas], @[Smoked Ham Hock], @[Low-Sodium Chicken Broth], @[Water], @[Bay Leaves], @[Thyme], @[Black Pepper], and @[Smoked Paprika] (if using). Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil over ^[high heat], then reduce the heat to ^[low]. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the first few minutes of simmering.
- Cover the #[Pot] partially (leave the lid slightly ajar) and simmer on ^[low heat], stirring every ~[20 minutes] to prevent sticking on the bottom, until the @[Green Split Peas] have completely broken down and the soup is thick and creamy, about ~[90 minutes].
- Remove the @[Smoked Ham Hock] and @[Bay Leaves]. Transfer the @[Smoked Ham Hock] to a #[Cutting Board], let it cool for a few minutes, then pull off any meat and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bone, skin, and fat.
- Stir the shredded ham back into the soup. Taste and season with @[Kosher Salt] and more @[Black Pepper] as needed. If the soup is thicker than you like, stir in a splash of @[Water] or @[Low-Sodium Chicken Broth] to reach your preferred consistency.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped @[Parsley], and serve with @[Crusty Bread] for dipping.
