Split pea soup is a hearty, comforting classic that has stood the test of time. Made with simple ingredients like dried peas, a ham bone, and fresh vegetables, this rich and flavorful soup is perfect for a chilly day. Below, you’ll find three methods to make split pea soup from scratch—on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker—so you can choose the one that fits your preferences and existing kitchen equipment.
1. Old Fashioned Split Pea Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups dried split peas
- 2 quarts cold water, plus more as needed
- 1 (1 ½ pound) ham bone
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pinch dried marjoram
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 potato, diced
Instructions
Stovetop Method
Prepare the Split Peas: Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the split peas, cold water, ham bone, onions, salt, pepper, and marjoram.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the celery, carrots, and diced potato. Continue to cook for another 30–40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the soup is thickened.
Remove Ham Bone: Take out the ham bone, shred any remaining meat, and return it to the pot. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
Instant Pot Method
Rinse and Prepare: Rinse the split peas and set aside.
Add Ingredients: Place the split peas, cold water, ham bone, onions, salt, pepper, and marjoram into the Instant Pot. Add the celery, carrots, and diced potato.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Finish: Remove the ham bone, shred any meat, and stir it back into the soup. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
Slow Cooker Method
Layer Ingredients: In a slow cooker, layer the rinsed split peas, ham bone, onions, celery, carrots, potato, salt, pepper, and marjoram. Pour the cold water over the top.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Shred Ham: Once the vegetables are tender, remove the ham bone, shred the meat, and return it to the soup. Stir well and check for seasoning.
2. Tips for Perfect Split Pea Soup
Rinse the Peas Thoroughly: Rinsing removes impurities and any excess starch that could make the soup too thick.
Use a Meaty Ham Bone: The ham bone is the key to the soup’s rich flavor. If you don’t have one, substitute it with ham hocks or diced ham.
Stir Occasionally: When cooking on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, stir the soup occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom.
Adjust Thickness: If the soup becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency. To thicken a thin soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, stock, or wine, and whisk the mixture until smooth. Pour it into the simmering soup, stirring well. Let the soup cook a bit longer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your preferred thickness.
Seasoning: Salt can be added sparingly at first, as the ham bone may already provide enough saltiness. Adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking.
Remove Foam: When cooking split peas, a layer of foam may form on top as the water heats. Skim this off for a cleaner soup.
3. Serving Suggestions
Split pea soup can be enjoyed on its own or served with sides to make it even more satisfying. Here are a few serving ideas:
Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a buttered roll for dipping.
Crackers: Serve with salted crackers or oyster crackers to add a crunchy texture.
Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
Toppings: Garnish with chopped parsley, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and presentation.
Leftovers: The soup thickens as it cools, making it perfect for reheating as a hearty lunch or dinner the next day.
Split pea soup is a true comfort food that’s easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. By using one of the methods above, you can create a delicious meal that’s full of flavor and packed with nutrients. From its smoky ham base to its creamy texture, this old-fashioned favorite is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
