Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
This Easy Classic Split Pea Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. After making it countless times, I’ve perfected the balance of flavors and textures. The cozy aroma of this hearty soup will fill your home and warm your soul. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Gnocchi Broccoli Bake and Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites.
Why This Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy and comforting
- Packed with protein and fiber
- Better than takeout
- Easy to make and freezes well
What You'll Need for Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb dried green split peas
- 1 lb smoked ham hocks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Crusty bread
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Split peas: Rinse and pick over before using.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Instant Pot — Saves time and energy → See on Amazon
- Immersion Blender — Makes blending soup easy → See on Amazon
How to Make Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
- Soak and rinse: Soak split peas in water for at least 2 hours. Rinse and drain.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
- Add ingredients: Add split peas, ham hocks, seasonings, and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 45-60 minutes, until peas are tender.
- Blend: Remove ham hocks, blend soup until creamy. Return to pot, add ham back in.
- Serve: Serve hot, topped with parsley and crusty bread.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
- : For a smoother soup, blend until almost smooth but leave some texture.
- Common mistake and fix: If soup is too thick, thin with water or broth. If too thin, simmer longer to reduce.
- : For a vegetarian version, omit ham hocks and add vegetable broth instead of water.
Storing & Reheating Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: This soup can be made ahead and reheated.
Freezing Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Lentils can be substituted for split peas.
- Make-ahead: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Scaling: This recipe can be doubled or halved easily.
- Troubleshooting: If soup is too thick, thin with water or broth. If too thin, simmer longer to reduce.
Want to level up this recipe?
Good quality ham hocks — Add rich flavor to the soup → Check price on Amazon
Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb dried green split peas
- 1 lb smoked ham hocks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 bay leaf
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crusty bread
Instructions
- Soak and rinse: Soak split peas in water for at least 2 hours. Rinse and drain.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
- Add ingredients: Add split peas, ham hocks, seasonings, and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 45-60 minutes, until peas are tender.
- Blend: Remove ham hocks, blend soup until creamy. Return to pot, add ham back in.
- Serve: Serve hot, topped with parsley and crusty bread.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Lentils can be substituted for split peas.
- Make-ahead: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Scaling: This recipe can be doubled or halved easily.
- Troubleshooting: If soup is too thick, thin with water or broth. If too thin, simmer longer to reduce.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Make ahead: This soup can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 15g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sat. Fat: 1.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights FAQs
Yes, this soup can be made ahead and reheated. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
If soup is too thick, thin with water or broth. If too thin, simmer longer to reduce.
Yes, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Yes, split pea soup is high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice.
Yes, omit ham hocks and add vegetable broth instead of water.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
