Mary's Split Pea Soup

Warm, hearty, and infused with classic comfort, Mary’s Split Pea Soup is the ultimate one-pot meal for chilly days. Crafted with dried split peas, tender chunks of smoked ham, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, this soul-soothing soup is simmered to perfection with herbs like dried thyme and a bay leaf for a rich, savory depth of flavor. Whether made with chicken or vegetable broth, this protein-packed dish strikes the perfect balance between creamy and hearty textures, ideal for nourishing your body and satisfying your appetite. Ready in under two hours, this easy split pea soup recipe uses simple pantry staples, yet delivers bold, comforting flavors with every spoonful. Serve it garnished with fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread for a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal your family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried split peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound smoked ham hock or diced ham
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 5

Place the smoked ham hock (or diced ham) into the pot, then add the rinsed split peas, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 60-75 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Check the consistency of the soup. If it’s too thick, add more broth or water, 1/2 cup at a time, until the desired thickness is achieved.

Step 8

Remove the ham hock from the pot. If using, shred the meat off the bone and return it to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaf.

Step 9

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 10

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread or crackers for an extra comforting meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3259.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2569.9

Total Fat 83.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 226.8mg	0%
Sodium 13552.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 289.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 113.2g	0%
Total Sugars 51.5g
Protein 185.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 633.0mg	0%
Iron 32.7mg	0%
Potassium 6904.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.4%

Protein: 28.0%

Carbs: 43.7%