There was nothing like a big pot of My Mom’s Cozy Split Pea Soup simmering away on the stove. It’s humble, comforting, and full of flavor — the kind of soup that tastes like it’s been cooking all day, but really comes together with just a few simple ingredients. This version is thick, hearty, and so satisfying.
My mom’s split pea soup was always so delicious. I knew that every time she cooked a ham, there would be a pot of split pea soup made with the leftover ham. She would simmer the soup with the entire ham bone, which made it incredibly flavorful. Once it was done, she’d remove the bone, chop up the leftover ham, and stir it back into the soup — giving it that perfect, savory finish.
Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup
This split pea soup is the kind of cozy, comforting meal that feels like home with every spoonful. It’s thick, hearty, and full of rich flavor, made with simple ingredients that slowly simmer into something truly special. Perfect for cold days, quiet evenings, or when you just want a bowl of old-fashioned comfort, this soup warms you from the inside out. It’s satisfying, nourishing, and even better the next day—one of those timeless recipes my family loves and always looks forward to.
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Helpful Kitchen Tools Needed:
MARTHA STEWART Gatwick 7-Quart Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven – Martha Blue – Heavy-Duty Dutch Oven for Slow Cooking, Braising & BakingBamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen [Set of 3] Wood Cutting Board for Chopping Meat, Vegetables, Fruits, Cheese, Knife Friendly Serving Tray with Handles
OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler
Soeos Bay Leaves Whole, 2 oz(57g), Non-GMO Verified, Dried Leaf, Freshly Packed to Keep Fresh, Laurel Herbs for Cooking, Dried Bay Leaves, Fresh, Green
Minimalist Thyme Leaves, 8.8 oz, Fancy Cut, Cooking, Aromatic, Reusable Packaging
OXO Steel Ladle
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Ingredients Needed for My Mom’s Cozy Split Pea Soup:
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Olive oil – Helps brown the ham and soften the veggies for richer flavor.
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Diced ham – Adds savory, smoky flavor and hearty texture throughout the soup.
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Onion – Builds the base flavor and adds natural sweetness as it cooks.
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Carrots – Adds sweetness, color, and a little body to the soup.
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Celery – Provides aromatic flavor and balances the sweetness of the carrots.
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Garlic – Adds depth and a warm, savory note.
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Dried split peas – The heart of the soup; they break down and create a naturally creamy texture.
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Chicken broth – Adds rich, savory flavor to the base.
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Water – Helps reach the right consistency without making the soup too salty.
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Bay leaf – Adds subtle herbal flavor while the soup simmers.
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Dried thyme – Gives earthy, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with peas and ham.
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Black pepper – Adds mild heat and enhances overall flavor.
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Salt (as needed) – Seasons the soup, but often very little is needed because the ham is salty.
Step by step instructions to make split pea soup.
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed ham and sauté until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the ham from the pot and set aside.
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In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
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Add the split peas, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, pepper, and the ham back into the pot. Stir well.
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Skim the foam on top if needed.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and simmer for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas break down and the soup becomes thick and creamy.
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Taste and add salt only if needed — the ham adds plenty of flavor. Serve and enjoy!
Split Pea Soup Frequently Asked Questions
Do split peas need to be soaked before making split pea soup?
No — split peas do not need to be soaked before cooking. They’re already peeled and split, which helps them break down quickly as they simmer. As long as they cook for about 60–75 minutes, they’ll become soft and creamy on their own.
If your peas seem to be taking longer to soften, it’s often because they’re older and a little dried out. In that case, just give them extra time — they’ll get there!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Split pea soup tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze split pea soup?
Absolutely — freeze up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge.
Can I make split pea soup without ham?
Yes — you can absolutely make split pea soup without ham. The peas themselves become creamy and flavorful as they cook, so the soup will still turn out delicious.
To keep the flavor rich without the ham, try adding one or more of these:
Extra garlic and onion for depth
A splash of olive oil for richness
Smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor
A Parmesan rind while simmering (gives amazing savory flavor)
Vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version
How do I store split pea soup?
Split pea soup stores beautifully and actually tastes even better the next day.
In the refrigerator:
Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it chills — just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring it back to the right consistency.
In the freezer:
Split pea soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then freeze in containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding liquid if needed.
My Mom’s Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 - 75 minutes
- Total Time: 75 - 90 minutes
- Yield: 6 - 8 Bowls 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery ribs, diced
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
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4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups water
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2 cups diced ham
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1 bay leaf
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Salt, to taste
Instructions
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Brown the ham:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed ham and sauté until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the ham from the pot and set aside. -
Sauté the veggies:
In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic. -
Add peas, liquids & ham:
Add the split peas, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, pepper, and the ham back into the pot. Stir well. -
Simmer:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and simmer for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas break down and the soup becomes thick and creamy. Skim the top if needed. -
Adjust texture:
If you prefer a smoother soup, blend a portion with an immersion blender. Add extra water or broth if it becomes too thick. -
Season:
Taste and add salt only if needed — the ham adds plenty of flavor.
