This homemade Split Pea Soup is the perfect cozy soup recipe as we roll into the winter months. This soup is a nutritious blend of split peas, savory ham, and sauteed vegetables, creating the perfect comfort food to warm you from the inside out. Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is.
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Be sure to try some of our other soup favorites like Beef Stew or our Broccoli and Cheese Soup served right in an edible bread bowl. I love a hearty, nutritious, comforting bowl of soup and this Split Pea Soup checks all of the boxes. All you need are some Soft Dinner Rolls to go with this.
Split Pea Soup Video
Watch Natasha make Split Pea Soup. You will be surprised at how easy it is to make, the stove does most of the work. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
The Best Split Pea Soup RecipeGrowing up, my mom had the best Split Pea Soup recipe. She called it by its Ukrainian name, Horohoviy Soup. I remember back when I was working as a nurse, on a cold winter day, my husband called my mom for this recipe, and when I came home, he had a warm bowl of homemade Split Pea Soup waiting for me. This isn’t just a bowl of soup, it’s comfort in a bowl.
Split Pea Soup is our favorite way to use leftover Baked Ham from the holidays, but you can make it without a ham bone, adding diced ham or bacon, or keep it vegetarian.
Ingredients for Split Pea SoupI love making this soup with yellow split peas. I prefer the flavor over green split peas and love the appealing golden color. A green-tinged soup is a hard sell for my kids so this is perfect!

Water and Chicken Stock – create the base for this hearty soup

Ham – use diced ham or use your leftover bone from your Baked Ham. After cooking, the tender meat will fall right off the bone, and you can add it back into the soup.

Split Peas – I prefer dry, golden split peas. They have a sweet flavor profile and are more visually appealing than green split peas (which is helpful, especially when serving kids). No need to soak for hours (or even at all), the peas soften to create a creamy and satisfying texture. You can substitute green split peas.

Vegetables – potatoes, carrots, celery, yellow onion create the thick, flavorful base

Flavor/Herbs – garlic, bay leaves, fresh dill or parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper Variations for Split Pea Soup

Pork Riblets – You can cook pork riblets in the water with your split peas just like my mom does. Just be sure to skim off any impurities and avoid boiling vigorously. My mom also uses this for Sorrel Soup.

Bacon – sautee bacon first then spoon it out and cook your veggies in the bacon fat. Use the browned crispy bacon as a topping.

Bouillon Cubes – Instead of chicken stock, use the chicken or vegetable bouillon equivalent.

Green Split Peas – if this is your preference or if you aren’t able to find yellow split peas, the green ones will work in a pinch (but don’t tell my Mom – k?) What are split peas?Split peas are dried green or yellow peas that have split. Peas have two halves inside of their outer shell that make up the round pea, and during the drying process, they separate. Split peas become very tender during the cooking process creating a smooth texture. They are nutritious and a great addition to soups, stews, salads, and curries.

Do I need to Soak Split Peas Before Using?I’ve tested soaking the peas overnight in hopes of speeding up the cooking process but I didn’t notice any difference in timing. Just be sure to rinse and pick them over to remove any debris then drain your peas before adding them to the pot.
How to Make Split Pea Soup

Sauté – Set a large soup pot or 5 1/2 quart Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add ham (or ham hock), and sauté until golden brown then transfer to a plate.
Add olive oil and sauté chopped onion and celery until softened.

Combine– Add stock, water, and rinsed peas. Add the ham back to the pot. Bring to a boil and skim off and discard any foam that rises to the top.

Flavor and Simmer – Add thyme and bay leaves and season with salt. Reduce heat to a simmer, partially cover, and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes or until peas are almost dissolved. If using a ham hock, remove the bone from the soup, then shred the meat and return it to the pot.

Simmer Additional Vegetables – Add chopped carrots and potatoes and cook for another 20 minutes or until the veggies are fork-tender.

Season and Serve – Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme stems. Press in the garlic, add dill or parsley, and immediately turn off the heat. Garnish with fresh herbs. Keep in mind it will thicken more as it cools. Pro Tip: Add thyme sprigs to the pot whole – no chopping needed. The leaves will fall off the stems, which are easy to remove later. Also, when the peas and ham come to a boil, the foam will rise to the top. Skim off and discard the foam for a cleaner-looking soup.

What to Serve with Split Pea SoupSplit pea soup is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own. We love pairing it with bread such as:

Crusty French Bread

Focaccia Bread

Sourdough Bread

Biscuits Recipe

Sourdough Dinner RollsCan I Make Split Pea Soup in a Crockpot?Add all of your ingredients to your slow cooker, reducing the water by half since not as much water will evaporate as it cooks. Cook on low heat for 7 hours.

Make-AheadSplit Pea Soup is one of those recipes that’s even better the next day after the flavors meld. Cool your soup to room temperature before storing it.

To Refrigerate: Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty Ziploc bags. Leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow the soup to expand as it freezes. If using bags, lay the bag flat for easier storage and quick thawing.

To Reheat: Thaw your soup in the refrigerator overnight. You can cook your thawed soup in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the soup has thickened, add water or broth to thin it out. More Hearty Soup RecipesIf you love this Split Pea Soup recipe, then you won’t want to miss these hearty soup recipes:

Vegetable Soup

Turkey Noodle Soup

Tomato Soup

Taco Soup

Zuppa Toscana

Lamb Stew

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