If you love cozy, wholesome soups, the Best Split Pea Soup Recipe is about to become a new favorite in your kitchen. This bowl of comfort gets its rich flavor from hearty split peas, fresh veggies, herbs, and that little twist of sun-dried tomato, making each spoonful bright and complex. Whether you’re after a simple weeknight dinner or planning a make-ahead lunch, this nourishing soup will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of herbs simmering away. Best of all, it’s supremely easy and satisfying—let’s dive in!

Best Split Pea Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great soup starts with simple, quality ingredients, each bringing an important layer to the Best Split Pea Soup Recipe. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item belongs in the pot!

Dry green split peas: The backbone of the soup, giving that creamy texture when cooked down and packing in plant-based protein.
Water: Starts the split peas off gently so they soften beautifully without tough skins.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the onions caramelize, which deepens the soup’s flavor.
Onion: Essential for sweetness and aromatic depth; browning the onion gives a subtle, lovely smokiness.
Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and color, plus they mellow out the earthiness of the peas.
Garlic cloves: Four cloves mean robust flavor that infuses every bite.
Vegetable broth (or chicken stock): The broth gives body and rounds out the flavors—use your favorite, or swap for chicken if preferred.
Sun-dried tomatoes (dry, not in oil): Their rich tanginess adds a surprising lift—absolutely worth including!
Fresh rosemary: Just a tablespoon provides a piney, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with peas.
Bay leaves: Classic in soups, they add subtle background flavor.
Dried thyme: Brings woodsy complexity that blends with the rosemary and marjoram.
Dried marjoram: A gentle, slightly floral herb, it softens and complements the other spices.
Smoked paprika: For an earthy, smoky undertone you’ll love in every bite.
Sea salt: Enhances all the individual flavors.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and sharpness.
Dijon mustard: A couple teaspoons brighten the soup and create balance.
Chopped parsley: Stirred in at the end for freshness and color.
Lemon: A squeeze to serve will wake up the whole bowl and tie it all together.

How to Make Best Split Pea Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Split Peas

Start by rinsing your dry split peas thoroughly—they can be a bit dusty from the bag. Transfer them to a medium pot with a quart of unsalted water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer, and let them bubble away for 30 minutes. Cooking peas in water (not broth) at first helps them break down nicely, making for a super creamy soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Grab a large soup pot or Dutch oven, add the olive oil, and bring it to medium heat. Add your chopped onion and sauté for about 10 minutes. Let the edges start to caramelize—this step is not just for color! Those browned bits give rich depth and subtle sweetness that’s irreplaceable in the Best Split Pea Soup Recipe.

Step 3: Add Carrots and Garlic

Toss in the chopped carrots and garlic cloves with your golden onions. Stir everything together and cook for another five minutes. This quick sauté builds up the veggie flavor base, softens the carrots, and lets the garlic mellow out, so it’s present without overpowering.

Step 4: Build Flavor with Herbs and Broth

Add your vegetable broth (or chicken stock), sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, bay leaves, thyme, marjoram, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard to the pot. Stir to combine—all those beautiful flavors will meld and start working magic on the aromatics and veggies.

Step 5: Combine with Peas and Simmer

Drain your simmered peas, then add them right into the soup pot. Lower the heat so the soup simmers gently, pop the lid on slightly ajar, and cook for another 30 minutes. Stir now and then as the peas break down and turn the soup deliciously thick. The longer the simmer, the silkier your Best Split Pea Soup Recipe will be.

Step 6: Finish with Parsley and Lemon

Just before serving, remove the bay leaves and stir in chopped fresh parsley. Give the soup a taste, adjust with salt and pepper as needed, and drizzle in a squeeze of fresh lemon. This last step brightens everything and brings out all the lovely flavors.

How to Serve Best Split Pea Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is always beautiful here, but you can take it a step further by adding homemade croutons, crisp breadcrumbs, or delicate crostini. A swirl of good olive oil or a handful of microgreens adds a special touch for guests, too. No matter your pick, each bowl becomes irresistibly inviting and tailored to your taste.

Side Dishes

Best Split Pea Soup Recipe pairs perfectly with a chewy artisan bread that’s warm from the oven (think: crusty sourdough or seeded whole wheat). Add a sharp, simple salad of greens, lemon, and olive oil or a grilled cheese sandwich for comfort food heaven. The hearty soup is also delicious with roasted vegetables or even a baked potato on the side for the ultimate cozy dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to fancy things up, ladle the soup into small mugs or espresso cups as a starter for a dinner party, sprinkled with microgreens and smoked paprika. Hosting a family lunch? Serve it in rustic bread bowls! Or for an everyday meal prep, portion into jars—layered with garnishes—for an inviting grab-and-go lunch. The Best Split Pea Soup Recipe adapts easily to any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your soup into airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, the Best Split Pea Soup Recipe keeps beautifully for up to four days. You might notice it thickens a bit more overnight—that’s typical for split pea soup, and you can always loosen it up with a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

This soup is a freezer’s best friend! Ladle cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Label and freeze for up to three months. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge or run the sealed container briefly under warm water to loosen before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gentle portions on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring often so the soup warms evenly and doesn’t stick. If the soup has thickened quite a bit, just add a splash or two of water or broth until it’s as creamy or soupy as you like. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make the Best Split Pea Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already plant-based as written, using vegetable broth. Just make sure any garnishes you choose stay vegan (like skipping any cheese croutons). It’s hearty and filling all on its own.

What if my split peas aren’t softening?

Sometimes old split peas need extra help. Make sure you simmer them first in plain unsalted water, as salt can prevent softening. If they’re still firm after simmering, let them cook a bit longer and keep the lid on—the steam helps!

Can I use yellow split peas instead?

Definitely! Yellow split peas swap in seamlessly for green and deliver a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor. The color will shift, but the Best Split Pea Soup Recipe will be every bit as delicious.

How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

For a thicker result, simply cook the soup uncovered a bit longer, stirring often. To thin, stir in a bit more hot broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. It’s all about your personal texture preference!

Is this recipe good in the Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function for onions, carrots, and garlic, then add everything else and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for best results. Add extra broth at the end if you want a thinner soup.

Final Thoughts

There’s really nothing like a homemade bowl of the Best Split Pea Soup Recipe to bring warmth to your table and comfort to your day. If you haven’t tried making it from scratch before, I hope this easy, flavor-packed version inspires you to grab a bag of split peas and get cooking. Give it a go—your future self (and anyone else lucky enough to share a meal) will thank you!