Golden Split Pea Soup

5 from 5 votes

This fabulous Golden Split Pea Soup is the epitome of healthy comfort food. Lots of veggies, golden split peas and bits of tender ham are simmered together to create a delicious meal-in-a-bowl!

Prep Time30

Cook Time1 30

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Golden Split Pea Soup, Split Pea and Ham Soup, Split Pea Soup

Servings:

Calories: 182kcal

Author: Chris Scheuer

Ingredients

1 pound yellow split peas
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 large sweet onion diced small
8 ounces golden beets diced small
4 medium cloves garlic finely minced
10 cups low sodium chicken broth maybe more
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ ` teaspoon smoked paprika
12 ounces carrots diced small (I used baby carrots)
12 ounces potatoes peeled and diced small
1½ cups diced smoky ham more to taste
2 teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves plus more for garnish, if desired

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Rinse the split peas until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside
Heat a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil and swirl the pan until the butter is melted. Add the chopped onions and chopped beets and cook for 4-5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cooking, stirring continuously for another 30 seconds.
Add the chicken broth, split peas, bay leaves, turmeric and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a low, steady boil and cover with the lid slightly vented. Cook for one hour, stirring occasionally. Take a taste to see if the peas are tender and starting to fall apart. If they’re not, cook for another 10-30 minutes, until the peas are very tender.
Add the potatoes, carrots, ham, salt and pepper. Return the mixture to a boil and cook for 20-25 minutes until the carrots are very tender. Add the thyme leaves, remove from the heat and cover. Allow the soup to sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and add more salt and/or pepper if needed.
Serve with a garish of more fresh thyme leaves.

Notes

See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips.

Nutrition