Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Dinner
After making this classic split pea soup dozens of times, I’ve perfected the cozy dinner recipe you’ll love. It solves the problem of weeknight dinners in a hurry. The trick I discovered is using a pressure cooker for quick cooking. This hearty soup is filled with crisp vegetables and tender peas, creating a cozy, comforting meal. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potatoes and Refreshing Spring Celery Apple Juice.
Why This Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- It's ready in under 30 minutes with a pressure cooker
- Packed with protein and fiber for a satisfying meal
- Perfect for meal prepping and freezing
What You'll Need for Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb dried split peas
- 1 lb smoked ham hocks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Crusty bread
- Optional: Shredded cheese
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Split peas: Rinse and pick over before using.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Pressure Cooker — 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 Dinner
- Step 1: Rinse and pick over split peas. Combine peas, ham hocks, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper in a pressure cooker. Add water to cover.
- Step 2: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Release pressure and remove lid. Discard ham hocks and blend soup until smooth.
- Step 3: Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Dinner
- : For a vegetarian version, omit ham hocks and add vegetable broth instead of water.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the peas. They can become mushy if left too long.
- : Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Storing & Reheating Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Dinner
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: This soup can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
Freezing Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Dinner
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: For a smoother soup, blend until completely smooth.
- Best substitution: Substitute the ham hocks with a smoked sausage or bacon for a similar flavor.
- Make-ahead: This soup freezes well. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs.
- Troubleshooting: If the soup is too thick, thin it out with a little water or vegetable broth.
Want to level up this recipe?
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Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb dried split peas
- 1 lb smoked ham hocks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Crusty bread
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse and pick over split peas. Combine peas, ham hocks, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper in a pressure cooker. Add water to cover.
- Step 2: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Release pressure and remove lid. Discard ham hocks and blend soup until smooth.
- Step 3: Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a smoother soup, blend until completely smooth.
- Best substitution: Substitute the ham hocks with a smoked sausage or bacon for a similar flavor.
- Make-ahead: This soup freezes well. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs.
- Troubleshooting: If the soup is too thick, thin it out with a little water or vegetable broth.
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: This soup can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 16g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Dinner FAQs
Yes, this soup can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
If the soup is too watery, simmer it on the stove until it reaches your desired consistency.
Yes, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
You can substitute the ham hocks with a smoked sausage or bacon for a similar flavor.
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Cozy Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Dinner 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!
