A thick, slow-simmered winter soup that warms you from the first spoon to the last.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 45 min
Total: 60 min
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups dried split peas, rinsed
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking slowly until softened and lightly golden.
Stir in the garlic, thyme, black pepper, and salt, mixing briefly so the aromatics release their flavor without browning.
Add the split peas to the pot and stir to coat them evenly with the vegetables and seasoning.
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the peas break down and the soup thickens naturally.
Stir occasionally during cooking, then remove the bay leaf before serving once the texture becomes rich and spoonable.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 310
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 46g
Fat: 6g
Quick Facts
• one-pot soup
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• budget friendly
• freezer friendly
Tips
Rinse the split peas thoroughly before cooking to keep the broth clean and smooth as it simmers.
Stir the soup every so often while it cooks, especially near the end, to prevent sticking as the peas soften.
If you prefer a smoother texture, lightly mash part of the soup with a spoon directly in the pot.
Variations
For a heartier version, add diced potatoes or parsnips during the first half of cooking so they soften along with the peas.
To boost flavor depth, replace one cup of vegetable broth with chicken broth and adjust the salt at the end. This method is also used in cozy comfort recipes like our grandma’s slow-cooked pot roast where layered flavors make all the difference.
For a thicker stew-like texture, let the soup rest off heat for ten minutes before serving so it sets naturally. If you enjoy freezer-friendly meals like this one, you’ll find more options in our quick meals for busy nights collection.