Pioneer Woman Split Pea Soup Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Split Pea Soup is a hearty and classic recipe, which is made with dried green split peas and diced ham. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 2 hours.

Pioneer Woman Split Pea Soup Ingredients

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

How To Make Pioneer Woman Split Pea Soup

1. Brown ham and sauté vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for about 5 more minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the garlic and cook for one minute more.
2. Rinse the peas: While the vegetables cook, place the dried split peas in a colander. Rinse them well under cold water, picking through them to remove any small stones or debris.
3. Simmer the soup: Add the rinsed peas, chicken stock, thyme, and the optional bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, uncovered, for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are very tender and have “split” open, naturally thickening the soup.
4. Season and serve: If the soup is thicker than you’d like, you can add ½ to 1 cup of water to reach your desired consistency. Season with the salt and black pepper, tasting and adding more if needed. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley if you like.

Recipe Tips

• How to get a creamier soup? For a smoother, creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup after the peas are tender.
• Can I use a ham bone? Absolutely. If you have a leftover ham bone, it’s a fantastic addition. Add it to the pot along with the chicken stock; it will add a huge amount of smoky flavor to the soup.
• Can I make this vegetarian? To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham (sauté the vegetables in olive oil) and use a good quality vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
• Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes. Sauté the ham and vegetables on the stovetop as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the peas are very tender.

What To Serve With Split Pea Soup

This hearty soup is a classic for a reason and is perfect with a side for dipping.

• A slice of warm, crusty cornbread with butter
• A simple grilled cheese or ham sandwich
• Saltine or oyster crackers
• A crisp green salad

How To Store Split Pea Soup

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The soup will thicken significantly as it cools.
• Freeze: This soup freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Split Pea Soup Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 25g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
• Pioneer Woman French Onion Soup Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Bean and Ham Soup Recipe