Name: Yellow Split Pea Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric or cumin; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I love making yellow split pea soup when I want something warm, hearty, and deeply comforting. The creamy texture and rich, savory flavor make it a perfect meal for cozy days, and I find it both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how this soup is naturally thick and filling without needing heavy ingredients. The split peas break down beautifully as they cook, creating a smooth and velvety texture. I also like how budget-friendly and nutritious it is, making it a great option for everyday cooking.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

yellow split peas, rinsed
onion, chopped
carrots, diced
celery, chopped
garlic, minced
olive oil or butter
vegetable broth
bay leaf
salt
black pepper
turmeric or cumin

optional:
fresh parsley

Directions

I start by rinsing the yellow split peas thoroughly under cold water and setting them aside.

In a large pot, I heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. I add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened. Then I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

I add the split peas, broth, bay leaf, and spices, then bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, I reduce the heat and let it simmer gently.

I let the soup cook for about 40–50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are soft and the soup has thickened. If I want a smoother texture, I blend part or all of the soup.

I remove the bay leaf, adjust the seasoning, and serve warm, optionally topping with parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Preparation time is around 10 minutes.
Cooking time is about 45–50 minutes.
Total time is approximately 1 hour.

Variations

I sometimes add potatoes for extra heartiness or include smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. When I want a brighter taste, I add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end. I also like experimenting with different spices to change the flavor profile.

storage/reheating

I store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It thickens as it sits, so when reheating, I add a bit of water or broth to reach the desired consistency. I can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Do I need to soak split peas?

I do not need to soak them, but I always rinse them well before cooking.

Why is my soup too thick?

I add more broth or water when reheating to thin it out.

Can I make this soup vegan?

I keep it vegan by using vegetable broth and olive oil instead of butter.

How do I make it smoother?

I blend part or all of the soup to achieve a creamier texture.

Can I freeze this soup?

I freeze it in portions, and it reheats very well.

Conclusion

I find yellow split pea soup to be one of the most comforting and reliable meals I can make. It is simple, nourishing, and full of flavor, making it a perfect go-to recipe whenever I want something warm and satisfying.