Hearty Split Pea Soup

A rich, comforting bowl of slow-cooked goodness — ready to warm you from the inside out.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There's something deeply satisfying about a pot of split pea soup simmering on the stove. It fills the kitchen with the most incredible aroma, and the result is a thick, velvety soup that's hearty enough to be a full meal. Made with a blend of green and yellow split peas, lentils, and aromatic spices, this recipe is vegetarian, naturally gluten-free, and endlessly comforting.

Best of all? It practically makes itself in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green split peas
• 1 cup yellow split peas
• ½ cup red lentils
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 bay leaf

Additionally add:

• 6 cups vegetable broth
  
• Ham hock or ham (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Easy shortcut: Add one bag of our Homemade Split Pea Soup Mix and 6 cups of vegetable broth and a ham hock (optional) to your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until thick and tender. Season to taste and serve.

OR, make it from scratch:

1. Sauté the aromatics. In a large pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Combine in the slow cooker. Add the sautéed vegetables, split peas, lentils, broth, and bay leaf to your slow cooker.
3. Cook low and slow. Set to LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the peas are completely tender and beginning to break down.
4. Blend to your liking. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Leave some chunks for a heartier feel.
5. Season and serve. Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and ladle into bowls.

Tips & Variations

• Add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth — it pairs beautifully with the earthiness of split peas.
• Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of coconut milk at the end.
• Boost the protein with a handful of cooked lentils or a can of white beans.
• Stovetop method: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally.

How to Store & Reheat

Split pea soup keeps beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. It thickens as it sits — just add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Make It a Gift

This soup makes a wonderful homemade gift for anyone who loves cozy comfort food. Our Homemade Split Pea Soup Mix is packaged and ready to gift, or pair it with other favorites in our Build A Box Custom Soup Gift Set for a truly personal touch.

Serve It With

• Crusty sourdough or a warm baguette
• A simple green salad
• Grilled cheese on the side