Classic Split Pea Soup

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

  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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].
  3. Add the minced @[Garlic] and cook, stirring constantly, for ~[1 minute] until fragrant.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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].
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped @[Parsley], and serve with @[Crusty Bread] for dipping.