Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe
This classic split pea soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. After making it countless times, I’ve perfected the recipe to ensure a creamy, hearty soup every time. The secret? A good ham hock and plenty of patience. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe and Easy Veggie Scrambled Eggs on Toast.
Why This Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe Is Pure Comfort
- It's hearty and comforting, perfect for winter nights.
- The rich, savory flavor improves with time.
- It's easy to make and feeds a crowd.
What You'll Need for Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb dried split peas
- 1 lb smoked ham hock
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 4 carrots
- 4 stalks celery
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Crusty bread
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Split peas: Rinse and pick over before using.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Instant Pot — Saves time and energy. → See on Amazon
- Immersion blender — Makes blending the soup a breeze. → See on Amazon
How to Make Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Soak and rinse: Soak split peas in water for at least 2 hours. Drain and rinse.
- Sauté vegetables: Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft.
- Combine ingredients: Add split peas, ham hock, seasonings, and 8 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 1-2 hours, until peas are tender.
- Blend and serve: Blend soup until smooth. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Common mistake and fix: Don't skip soaking the peas. It helps them cook evenly and prevents a grainy texture.
- Tip: For a smoother soup, blend it more. For a chunkier soup, blend it less.
- Tip: Add more water if the soup becomes too thick.
Storing & Reheating Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Soup can be made ahead and reheated.
Freezing Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ham hock with a smoked turkey leg or vegetable broth.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the dried herbs with fresh ones, using twice the amount.
- Make-ahead: Soup freezes well. Thaw and reheat as needed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the soup becomes too thick, add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Want to level up this recipe?
Good quality ham hock — Makes a big difference in flavor. → Check price on Amazon
Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb dried split peas
- 1 lb smoked ham hock
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 4 carrots
- 4 stalks celery
Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Crusty bread
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Soak and rinse: Soak split peas in water for at least 2 hours. Drain and rinse.
- Sauté vegetables: Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft.
- Combine ingredients: Add split peas, ham hock, seasonings, and 8 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 1-2 hours, until peas are tender.
- Blend and serve: Blend soup until smooth. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ham hock with a smoked turkey leg or vegetable broth.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the dried herbs with fresh ones, using twice the amount.
- Make-ahead: Soup freezes well. Thaw and reheat as needed.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the soup becomes too thick, add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Make ahead: Soup can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 16g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sat. Fat: 1.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe FAQs
Yes, it reheats well. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
You may not have soaked the peas long enough. Always soak them for at least 2 hours.
Yes, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Yes, it is. Always check your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Crusty bread, a side salad, or a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or green beans.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
