Mom's Southern Style Split Pea Soup

Warm your soul with Mom's Southern Style Split Pea Soup, a hearty, homestyle recipe brimming with rich, smoky flavors and Southern charm. Made with tender dried split peas, a savory smoked ham hock, and a medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this comforting soup is slow-simmered to perfection for a creamy, flavorful finish. Infused with aromatic garlic, thyme, and a hint of black pepper, every spoonful delivers rustic goodness that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a taste of home, this classic recipe is easy to make and serves a crowd. Garnish with fresh parsley and a swirl of butter for that extra touch of Southern hospitality. Whether you're feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this split pea soup is sure to become a beloved staple.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried split peas
• 1 large smoked ham hock
• 1 large yellow onion
• 3 medium carrots
• 2 medium celery stalks
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for serving)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and sort the split peas to remove any debris. Set aside.

Step 2

Peel and dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the split peas, smoked ham hock, diced vegetables, minced garlic, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and salt.

Step 4

Stir the ingredients well, cover the pot, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Check the texture of the peas after 1.5 hours. They should be soft and starting to break down, creating a creamy consistency.

Step 7

If the soup becomes too thick, thin it out with additional water, 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Remove the ham hock from the pot. Shred any remaining meat off the bone and add it back to the soup, discarding the bone and any inedible parts.

Step 9

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt or black pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve the soup hot with a small pat of butter stirred into each bowl, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3074.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2749.7

Total Fat 78.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 317.5mg	0%
Sodium 8698.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 300.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 120.5g	0%
Total Sugars 47.3g
Protein 224.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 543.3mg	0%
Iron 32.1mg	0%
Potassium 7393.5mg	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: 25.3%

Protein: 31.9%

Carbs: 42.8%