Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Winter Nights
This classic split pea soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food for chilly winter nights. After making it dozens of times, I’ve discovered the trick to a perfectly creamy soup every time. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe and Easy Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich Recipe for Quick Lunch.
Why This Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Winter Nights Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy and hearty texture
- Packed with flavor from simple ingredients
- Perfect for meal prepping and freezing
What You'll Need for Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Winter Nights
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 cups green split peas
- 1 lb ham hocks or smoked turkey wings
- 1 large onion
- 3 carrots
- 3 celery stalks
- 4 cloves garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Bay leaves
- Thyme
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Crusty bread
- Optional: Shredded cheese
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- split peas: Pick over and rinse before using.
- ham hocks/turkey wings: Can be replaced with a ham bone or smoked sausage for a similar flavor.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Instant Pot — Saves time and energy → See on Amazon
- Immersion blender — Makes blending the soup easy and safe → See on Amazon
How to Make Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Winter Nights
- Soak and rinse: Soak split peas overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
- Sauté vegetables: Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Combine ingredients: Add split peas, ham hocks/turkey wings, seasonings, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer until peas are tender.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve hot with desired toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Winter Nights
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the peas. They can become mushy and lose their shape. Keep an eye on them and test for tenderness.
- Tip: For a smoother soup, blend until completely smooth. For a chunkier soup, blend only partially.
- Tip: Add more water or broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
Storing & Reheating Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Winter Nights
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Soup can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Freezing Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Winter Nights
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Adding a Parmesan rind to the pot while cooking can enhance the flavor of the soup.
- Best substitution: Lentils can be substituted for split peas for a similar texture and flavor.
- Make-ahead: Soup freezes well. Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for easy meals.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs.
- Troubleshooting: If the soup is too thick, add more water or broth. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Winter Nights
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups green split peas
- 1 lb ham hocks or smoked turkey wings
- 1 large onion
- 3 carrots
- 3 celery stalks
- 4 cloves garlic
Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Bay leaves
- Thyme
- Paprika
- Cumin
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crusty bread
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Soak and rinse: Soak split peas overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
- Sauté vegetables: Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Combine ingredients: Add split peas, ham hocks/turkey wings, seasonings, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer until peas are tender.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: Adding a Parmesan rind to the pot while cooking can enhance the flavor of the soup.
- Best substitution: Lentils can be substituted for split peas for a similar texture and flavor.
- Make-ahead: Soup freezes well. Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for easy meals.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs.
- Troubleshooting: If the soup is too thick, add more water or broth. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Make ahead: Soup can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 16g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- 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 Winter Nights FAQs
Yes, it can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Overcooking the peas can release too much starch, making the soup watery. Try simmering for less time.
Yes, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Yes, it's high in fiber, protein, and vitamins. It's a great choice for a healthy, comforting meal.
Yes, combine all ingredients and cook at high pressure for 10-15 minutes, followed by a natural release.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Winter 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!
