Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe

Looking for an easy split pea soup recipe that’ll keep your family full and your wallet happy? This hearty, comforting soup is perfect for busy parents juggling school schedules and hungry kids. Packed with protein from leftover ham and loaded with veggies like carrots and onions, it’s the perfect way to sneak in some nutrients without anyone noticing! Plus, yellow split peas are super affordable and cook down into a delicious, creamy base without needing any fancy techniques—just toss everything in the pot and let it simmer.

No need to spend hours in the kitchen—this recipe comes together in under an hour and can be made ahead for busy weeknights. It’s a total winner for meal prep, freezes like a dream, and makes enough to feed your whole crew. Serve it up with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a cozy, budget-friendly dinner that’s way better (and healthier!) than takeout. Time saved, money saved, and happy kids? That’s a parenting win!

Why Split Pea Soup?

Split pea soup is the ultimate family meal because it’s filling, budget-friendly, and a sneaky way to get your kids eating veggies without a fuss. Those split peas are packed with fiber and protein, keeping everyone full and happy without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, so cleanup is a breeze—perfect for those nights when homework and after-school chaos leave you short on time. You can make a big batch, save the leftovers, and freeze what’s left for another day. It’s like meal-planning magic! And the best part? It’s cozy, comforting, and tastes even better the next day, so everyone wins.

Read on for some extra tips, or jump directly to the recipe.

Split Peas

For this recipe, we’re using yellow split peas, which have a slightly milder, sweeter flavor than their green cousins. Green split peas are more common and have a slightly earthier, nuttier taste, but both work great in split pea soup. The main difference? Besides color, yellow split peas tend to cook down a bit smoother and creamier, making them perfect for a cozy, thick soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. Both types are super affordable, packed with protein and fiber, and don’t need soaking—perfect for busy parents who want a nutritious, budget-friendly meal without the extra steps! So, whether you go yellow or green, your soup is going to be a winner!

Meat Options

When it comes to adding meat to your easy split pea soup recipe, you’ve got a few delicious options, depending on your time and what’s hanging out in the fridge. First off, if you’re in a rush or cooking for vegetarians, you can skip the ham altogether—the soup will still be hearty and flavorful! If you’ve got leftover roasted ham from a holiday or family dinner, that’s a total win—just chop it up and toss it in, and you’re saving both time and money (no waste!). Store-bought pre-cooked ham is another super-easy option for busy nights, ready to go with no extra work.

Feeling adventurous or craving something smokier? Go for a smoked pork hock. It takes a bit longer to cook, but the smoky flavor is next-level, and the tender meat is so worth it. And if you love a little bacon magic, try adding rendered bacon—it adds a crispy, salty bite that makes the soup even more irresistible. Whether you’re keeping it simple with ham or going all out with bacon or smoked pork, there’s a meaty option for every schedule and taste!

Broth

When it comes to the broth in your easy split pea soup recipe, you’ve got a few choices depending on what you have on hand and how much flavor you want to pack in. Chicken broth is a go-to for most soups because it adds a neutral but delicious richness—whether it’s homemade, store-bought liquid, powder, or good ol' bouillon cubes (a lifesaver when you're low on fridge space!).

If you're looking for something a bit lighter or cooking for vegetarians, veggie broth is a great choice. It won’t overpower the other ingredients, but it still adds that comforting, savory base. And hey, if you’re really in a pinch, you can totally use plain water—especially if you're going all-in with a smoky pork hock for extra flavor. Just keep in mind, water alone might be a bit bland unless you’ve got something meaty or smoky to back it up.

Herbs and Spices

A few simple herbs and spices can really make it pop without turning dinner into a complicated science project. Rosemary is a classic for adding a warm, earthy flavor—just toss in a sprig or two, and let it infuse the soup while it simmers. Thyme is another great option, with a slightly more delicate flavor. Whether you use fresh or dried, it blends beautifully with the split peas and veggies, making everything taste like it’s been slow-cooked for hours (even if it hasn’t!).

Of course, you can’t forget the basics: salt and pepper. Just be careful with the salt if you’re using pre-cooked ham or broth, since those can already be a bit salty. A quick taste before serving will help you find that sweet spot.

Veggies

When it comes to veggies in your easy split pea soup recipe, you’ve got a few trusty staples that’ll take the flavor to the next level. Onions are a must—they add a sweet, savory base that’s like the secret sauce of any good soup. Then there are carrots, which not only bring a touch of natural sweetness but also sneak in extra nutrients (bonus parenting points!). If you’ve got celery hanging out in the fridge, go ahead and toss it in for a bit of extra flavor. Just know it doesn’t blend as smoothly as the other veggies, so it might add a bit of texture.

And for the garlic lovers out there—don’t forget garlic! If you’ve got time, try roasting it. Roasted garlic adds this mellow, rich depth that makes the soup feel gourmet without any extra fuss. Even if you're pressed for time, throwing in a couple of minced cloves still works wonders.

Time-Saving Techniques

Here are some additional time-saving tips for making this Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe:

Pre-chop your veggies: Dice up the onions, carrots, and garlic the night before or over the weekend when you have a few extra minutes. Store them in the fridge so they’re ready to go.
Skip peeling the carrots: If you’re in a rush, a quick scrub will do the trick instead of peeling.
Use an immersion blender: Want a smoother soup but short on time? Use an immersion blender right in the pot—no need to transfer anything to a blender and make extra mess.
Freeze the leftovers: Double the batch and freeze half for another busy night when you don’t feel like cooking—future you will be so thankful!
Soak your peas: While it’s definitely not necessary, soaking your peas in water overnight will reduce cooking time.

My Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 1/2 cups pre-cooked ham, diced (leftovers or store-bought)
6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
2 cups water (optional, for desired consistency)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions:

Rinse the yellow split peas under cold water and set aside.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the carrots, rosemary or thyme, and bay leaf (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Add the rinsed split peas to the pot, followed by the chicken broth (and water if needed). Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the peas are soft and the soup thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the peas are tender, stir in the diced ham. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes to warm the ham through and allow the flavors to combine.
Remove the rosemary/thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add more water or broth to reach your preferred consistency.
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad!

Optional:

For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or mash with a potato masher before adding the ham.
Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
A: Nope! While soaking can speed things up a bit, yellow split peas cook down pretty quickly without soaking. Just give them a good rinse, and you’re good to go. One less step to worry about!

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—or freeze it for later.

Q: My kids are picky eaters. Will they like this?
A: With the ham and creamy texture, this soup is usually a kid-friendly hit! Plus, you can sneak in all those veggies without them even realizing. If they’re extra picky, blend it smooth so they won’t spot the carrots.

Q: Is this easy split pea soup recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! The split peas, veggies, and ham are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your broth (and any seasonings) don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients, and you're all set!

Q: What if I don’t have ham? Or don't want it?
A: No worries! You can totally skip the ham for a vegetarian version, or try adding bacon for a little crispy, salty goodness. Smoked sausage or even leftover chicken would work too!

Q: Can I use a slow cooker?
A: Definitely! Toss everything (except the ham) into the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Add the ham in the last 30 minutes to warm it through. Super easy!

Q: How do I reheat leftovers without them turning to mush?
A: Heat the soup gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if it’s thickened up too much—split pea soup tends to thicken as it cools.

Q: Can I add more veggies?
A: Of course! Throw in some potatoes, spinach, or even sweet potatoes if you’ve got them on hand. Just chop them small so they cook evenly with the peas.

Q: What should I serve with this soup?
A: A side of crusty bread is always a win, or try serving it with a simple green salad. If you’re feeling fancy, top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or crispy croutons for extra texture.