Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
This classic Split Pea Soup is the ultimate comfort food on chilly evenings. After making it countless times, I’ve discovered the secret to a creamy texture without dairy. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Orange Blossom Semolina Pudding with Pistachios and Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Why This Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights Is Pure Comfort
- Creamy texture without dairy
- Hearty and filling
- Perfect for meal prepping
- Better than takeout taste
What You'll Need for Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Split peas
- Ham hock or bacon
- Onion
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Bay leaves
- Thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Chopped parsley
- Optional: Crusty bread
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Split peas: Rinse and pick over before using.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Instant Pot — Saves time and energy → See on Amazon
- Immersion blender — Makes blending soup easy and safe → See on Amazon
How to Make Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
- Step 1: Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until soft.
- Step 2: Add split peas, ham hock/bacon, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove ham hock/bacon, discard skin and bones, and shred meat. Return meat to pot.
- Step 5: Blend soup until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the peas to prevent them from breaking down too much and making the soup too thick.
- Tip: For a smoother soup, blend until almost smooth but leave a few chunks for texture.
- Tip: Add a splash of vinegar at the end for a brighter flavor.
Storing & Reheating Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
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: Soup can be made ahead and reheated.
Freezing Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat on low in the oven, stirring occasionally. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, omit ham hock/bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Best substitution: Lentils can be used instead of split peas.
- Make-ahead: Soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled.
- Troubleshooting: If soup is too thick, thin it out with a little water or broth.
Want to level up this recipe?
Good quality stock pot — Even heat distribution for perfect soup → Check price on Amazon
Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Split peas
- Ham hock or bacon
- Onion
- Carrots
- Garlic
Seasonings
- Bay leaves
- Thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Chopped parsley
- Crusty bread
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until soft.
- Step 2: Add split peas, ham hock/bacon, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove ham hock/bacon, discard skin and bones, and shred meat. Return meat to pot.
- Step 5: Blend soup until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, omit ham hock/bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Best substitution: Lentils can be used instead of split peas.
- Make-ahead: Soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled.
- Troubleshooting: If soup is too thick, thin it out with a little water or broth.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat on low in the oven, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
- Make ahead: Soup can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 15g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sat. Fat: 1g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights FAQs
Yes, it reheats well and can be made up to 3 days ahead.
You may have overcooked the peas or not added enough liquid. Thin it out with water or broth.
Yes, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Yes, but they may break down more easily and make the soup thicker.
Split peas and lentils have different textures and flavors. Split peas are more starchy and make a creamier soup.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Cozy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cold Nights 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!
