Pioneer Woman Split Pea Soup​

This delicious, hearty Pioneer Woman Split Pea Soup is a warm and cozy meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Quick to make with simple ingredients like ham, split peas, and fresh veggies, it’s a creamy, comforting bowl full of flavor. Customize it with pantry staples and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

Ingredients Needed

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 pound dried green split peas
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Split Pea Soup​

1. Sauté the Ham and Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 8–10 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 more minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
2. Rinse the Split Peas: Place split peas in a colander, rinse well, and pick out any small pebbles or debris.
3. Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Add the rinsed split peas, chicken stock, dried thyme, and bay leaf (if using) to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the peas are tender and “split.” If the soup stops simmering, raise heat to medium until simmering resumes, then lower heat back to medium-low. If needed, add 1/2 to 1 cup of water to adjust consistency.
4. Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve with a garnish of fresh parsley, if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Split Peas for Best Texture: Always check the expiration date on split peas, as older peas may not soften as well and can give the soup a grainy texture.
• Sauté the Ham First for More Flavor: Browning the ham in oil before adding other ingredients brings out rich, savory flavors that make the soup extra delicious.
• Add Liquid if the Soup Becomes Too Thick: As the soup cooks, it may thicken a lot. Add a little water or stock to reach the consistency you like.
• Adjust Seasonings at the End: The flavors deepen as the soup simmers, so wait until the end to add more salt or pepper to get the taste just right.
• Simmer Low and Slow for Perfect Creaminess: Cooking the soup at a low simmer for 1.5 hours helps the peas break down and makes the soup creamy without needing extra cream.

How To Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover Split Pea Soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Pour  leftover Split Pea Soup into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, move the soup to the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
• Reheating: Warm leftover Split Pea Soup on the stove over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through , or microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Potassium: 463mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 10g

More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Sausage And Bean Soup
• Pioneer Woman Collard Green Soup
• Pioneer Woman Bacon Bean Soup
• Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Soup
• Pioneer Woman Chicken And Rice Soup