Name: Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz Green Split Peas; 6 cups Vegetable Broth or Vegan Chicken Broth; 2 cups Water (as needed to thin); 1 medium Onion, diced; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 3 ribs Celery, diced; 2 small Carrots, diced; 2 medium Yellow or Yukon Potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 Tbsp Neutral Oil (like Avocado oil); 2 tsp Fresh Thyme, chopped; 2 Bay Leaves; 3 dashes Liquid Smoke (or more, to taste); 1 pinch Salt & Pepper (or more, to taste)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 12 reviews

I absolutely love a bowl of warm, hearty soup on a chilly day, and this Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites. It’s simple, wholesome, and deeply satisfying, with a perfect balance of earthy peas, tender veggies, and smoky undertones that make every spoonful feel like a cozy hug. Making this soup doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated steps, which means I can whip it up anytime I want something comforting and nourishing. I promise you’ll fall in love with its creamy texture and rich flavors as much as I have.

Why You’ll Love This Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

What makes this Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe stand out for me is its incredible flavor profile. The green split peas offer a natural sweetness and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with diced potatoes and carrots. Then there’s that subtle smoky note from the liquid smoke, which adds just the right touch of warmth and depth without overpowering the gentle earthiness of the soup. I find the combination both familiar and exciting, which is why it stays a go-to for cozy lunches or simple weeknight dinners.

Besides the fantastic taste, I love how easy this soup is to prepare. With just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen, it comes together quickly with minimal fuss. I appreciate a recipe that respects my time but doesn’t sacrifice flavor, and this one fits the bill perfectly. It’s also incredibly versatile—ideal for casual family meals, meal prep for the week, or even serving at a relaxed dinner party. Trust me, once you make this soup, you’ll be eager to share it with friends and family to spread the comfort and warmth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot filled with thick yellowish-green soup with visible small pieces of orange carrot and pale potato dispersed throughout. A woman's hand holds a wooden spoon with a dark gray metal scoop, stirring the soup near the center right of the pot. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this recipe, I keep things straightforward using fresh, basic ingredients that each play a vital role in building the soup’s rich flavor, texture, and inviting color.

Green Split Peas: The star ingredient providing creaminess and earthy flavor once cooked down.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a savory base when sautéed.
Garlic: Brings a fragrant depth and mild pungency that lifts the whole soup.
Yellow or Yukon Potatoes: Create a silky texture and add body to the soup.
Celery: Introduces a fresh, slightly herbal crunch before softening.
Neutral Oil (like Avocado oil): Perfect for sautéing without overpowering flavors.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and bright orange color for visual appeal.
Fresh Thyme: Offers a lovely herbaceous nuance that complements peas beautifully.
Bay Leaves: Infuse gentle aromatic complexity during simmering.
Vegetable or Vegan Chicken Broth: Adds savory richness as the liquid base.
Water: Used as needed to adjust the soup’s consistency to your liking.
Liquid Smoke: Adds a subtle, smoky undertone that deepens the overall flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.

Directions

Step 1: I start by heating the neutral oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, I add the diced onions and sauté them gently for 5 to 8 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Adding a pinch of salt and pepper here helps to season the onions as they cook and brings out their sweetness.

Step 2: Next, I toss in the chopped celery, minced garlic, fresh thyme, bay leaves, and rinsed split peas. I stir everything well and let it cook for 2 minutes so the garlic releases its aroma and the flavors start melding together. Then, I pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring the split peas are fully submerged.

Step 3: With the pot covered, I reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, I watch for the peas to start breaking down and the soup to thicken slightly, which signals readiness for the next step.

Step 4: After that, I add the cubed potatoes, diced carrots, and a few dashes of liquid smoke. Then I continue cooking, still covered, for another 20 to 25 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender and the soup has a creamy consistency. If the soup gets too thick for my taste, I stir in up to 2 cups of water to thin it out just right.

Step 5: Finally, I taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. I carefully remove the bay leaves, give everything one last stir, and serve the soup while it’s piping hot and irresistibly comforting.

Servings and Timing

This Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe yields about 4 hearty servings, perfect for sharing with family or saving leftovers for the next day. The prep time is quite short, usually around 15 minutes, mainly for chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients. The cooking time takes about 45 minutes, giving the peas and veggies enough time to become perfectly tender and flavorful. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour from start to finish. No additional resting or cooling time is needed—I like to serve it right away to enjoy those comforting warm flavors at their best.

How to Serve This Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe

A close-up view of a thick, yellowish-green soup with visible small cubes of orange carrots and pale potatoes scattered throughout. Two bay leaves float near the surface, and black pepper is sprinkled on top, adding small dark specks. A silver ladle lifts a portion of the soup, showing its chunky, hearty texture. The soup is in a large white pot with a blue edge, set against a white marbled surface with a clear focus on the vibrant colors of the soup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this soup hot, ladled generously into deep bowls that showcase its creamy texture and colorful vegetables. A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, like parsley or extra thyme, adds a pop of freshness and makes the presentation feel special. Sometimes, I’ll add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt right on top to introduce a contrasting creaminess that guests seem to adore.

For sides, crusty bread, like a rustic baguette or sourdough, is my top choice. The crunchy exterior and soft, chewy crumb are perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of soup. If I want to elevate the meal for guests, I’ll add a green side salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. This combo makes for a nourishing, satisfying lunch or dinner.

When it comes to drinks, I enjoy pairing this soup with a chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light, crisp cider. For non-alcoholic options, iced herbal teas or sparkling water with a slice of lemon complement the flavors wonderfully. This recipe is wonderfully versatile for occasions ranging from a cozy family dinner to a casual weekend lunch with friends. Serving it warm makes it a true comfort food that feels like a gentle hug, no matter the setting.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe to suit different dietary needs or flavor cravings. For a vegan or gluten-free version, simply stick with vegetable broth and the base ingredients—this recipe is naturally plant-based and gluten-free, which makes it so accessible. You can make it even heartier by adding diced butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a subtly sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the peas.

If you prefer a meatier version, adding diced smoked ham or bacon early in the sauté step creates a smoky richness that some really appreciate, but skipping these keeps the dish lighter and just as delicious. For an herb variation, swapping thyme for rosemary or sage breathes different layers of flavor into the soup. I’ve also tried using an immersion blender halfway through cooking to get a silky, almost velvety texture while still leaving some chunks for a lovely bite.

Another variation I enjoy is adjusting the seasoning by experimenting with spices, such as adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cumin. These spices add warmth and depth without overpowering the core flavors. Also, cooking this soup in a slow cooker works wonderfully if you want a set-it-and-forget-it method—just sauté onions and garlic beforehand, then add everything to the slow cooker and let it simmer for a few hours until perfectly tender.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I like to use glass containers with tight-fitting lids since they keep flavors fresh and make reheating easy. Just be sure the soup has cooled to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating to prevent condensation buildup.

Freezing

This soup freezes very well, which is one of the reasons I make it in larger batches. I let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-friendly containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion. It keeps best frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this soup is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method helps maintain the creamy texture without any risk of scorching. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, simply add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to your preferred consistency. I try to avoid microwaving because it can sometimes heat unevenly and affect the smoothness, but it works in a pinch if you stir well midway through heating.

FAQs

Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?

No soaking is necessary for split peas. Unlike whole dried peas or beans, split peas cook relatively quickly and break down nicely without pre-soaking, making this soup even easier to prepare.

Can I use yellow split peas instead of green split peas?

Absolutely! Yellow split peas work just as well and create a slightly sweeter, milder flavor and a bright golden color. The cooking time and method stay the same, so feel free to use whichever you have on hand.

Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan if you use vegetable broth. Just make sure to pick a broth that does not contain any animal products, and you’re all set for a wholesome, plant-based meal.

How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?

If you prefer a thicker soup, cook it a bit longer to let the peas break down fully, or briefly puree a portion with an immersion blender. To thin the soup, stir in water or broth little by little until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Vegetables such as spinach, kale, diced bell peppers, or parsnips can add lovely color and flavor. Just add them according to their cooking time—greens near the end and root veggies earlier to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe because it’s truly one of those dishes that warms your soul and nourishes your body at the same time. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and delightfully versatile, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend meals. Once you make it, I’m sure it will earn a special place in your recipe collection, just like it has in mine. Enjoy every cozy spoonful!