Sheila's Split Pea Soup

Warm, hearty, and packed with wholesome flavor, Sheila's Split Pea Soup is comfort food at its finest. This classic one-pot recipe combines tender dried split peas, savory smoked meat (choose between a ham hock or a smoked turkey leg), and an aromatic blend of sautéed onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Slow-simmered in a rich broth infused with thyme and a bay leaf, the soup achieves a velvety texture that's both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or easy meal prep, this soul-soothing dish can be customized with a touch of parsley for a fresh, herby finish. With its simple ingredients and minimal prep time, Sheila’s Split Pea Soup is a timeless recipe that’s ideal for chilly nights or when you need a dose of homemade comfort.

Nutriscore Rating: 87/100

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 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ham hock or smoked turkey leg
• 8 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried split peas under cold water in a fine mesh sieve, removing any debris or stones.

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 the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the rinsed split peas, broth, ham hock (or smoked turkey leg), thyme, and bay leaf.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are soft and starting to break down.

Step 7

Remove the ham hock or turkey leg from the pot. Shred any meat off the bone and add it back into the soup.

Step 8

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Optional: use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for a creamier texture, leaving some chunks for a hearty consistency.

Step 9

Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Step 10

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2930.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2017.2

Total Fat 44.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 50mg	0%
Sodium 6695.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 294.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 115.1g	0%
Total Sugars 56.0g
Protein 126.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 515.9mg	0%
Iron 24.3mg	0%
Potassium 6430.5mg	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: 19.3%

Protein: 24.2%

Carbs: 56.5%