Yellow Split Pea Soup

This yellow split pea soup is a hearty, flavorful dish with a rich and creamy texture, achieved by blending the tender split peas with a fragrant mix of sauteed onions and celery. This soup recipe is perfect for a chilly day, when a cozy lunch or dinner is just what’s needed. Its robust and warming qualities make it an excellent choice after a day outdoors or as a starter for a multi-course dinner. 

Ingredients for Yellow Split Pea Soup

• Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning of the soup.
• Olive oil: Use high-quality olive oil to saute the vegetables.
• Onion: Chopped yellow onion adds a sweet and savory depth to the soup.
• Celery: Finely chopped celery brings a mild, aromatic flavor and a bit of crunch.
• Chicken broth: You can use your favorite store-bought chicken broth or put homemade chicken broth to use, if you have it.
• Dried yellow split peas: The peas are the star ingredient here, offering a subtle sweetness and a hearty, creamy texture once cooked and blended. They’re high in protein and fiber, making the soup both nutritious and satisfying.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish, balancing the richness of the soup.
• Ground cumin and pepper: These seasonings add a warm, earthy spice that complements the sweetness of the split peas and deepens the soup’s flavor.
• Parsley and pistachios (optional): Fresh parsley and pistachios add a burst of color, a refreshing herbal note and a satisfying crunch to this creamy soup.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the vegetables

Heat the butter and oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the onion and celery. Cook and stir until tender, three to five minutes. Stir in the broth, then bring the liquid to a boil. Add the peas and return to a boil. Reduce the heat, then cover and simmer until the peas are tender, about one hour.

Step 2: Finish the soup

Stir in the lemon juice, cumin and pepper, and simmer for five minutes. Remove the soup from the heat and let it cool slightly. Process the soup in batches in a blender until smooth. Return it to the pan and heat it through. Before serving, garnish with parsley and pistachios, as desired.

Editor’s Tip: If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup and mix it back in with the unblended portion.

Yellow Split Pea Soup Variations

• Try a veggie version: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make a vegetarian version. You can also add more vegetables like carrots, potatoes and spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a can of coconut milk toward the end of cooking for a creamy, tropical variation. Garnish with lime zest and fresh cilantro.
• Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeno or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the cumin for a spicy kick. You can also drizzle individual bowls of soup with hot sauce before serving.

How to Store Yellow Split Pea Soup

To store yellow split pea soup, start by allowing it to cool to room temperature. Then transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container and refrigerate it for three to four days.

Can you freeze yellow split pea soup?

Yes, you can freeze this split pea soup. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for the soup to expand as it freezes. Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification, and freeze for two to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, you can add a bit of water or broth to reach the desired consistency. 

Yellow Split Pea Soup Tips

Can you use green split peas instead of yellow split peas for this recipe?

Yes! There are no major differences between yellow and green split peas, so they can be prepared the same way and will taste alike.

Should you soak the yellow split peas before cooking?

No soaking necessary! The peas will rehydrate and cook through during the hour it takes to simmer. To simplify things even more and maybe save a little time, you can easily process your soup using an immersion blender.

What other toppings can you put on yellow split pea soup?

A classic to pair with split pea soup is ham and crusty bread. You can either dice up some ham and fry it in a skillet with some bread crumbs to top your soup, or do the same with chopped bacon and chives. If you’re looking to add some protein and texture, try this hearty split pea soup.

What can you serve with yellow split pea soup?

Hot ham and rolls pair nicely with this yellow split pea soup recipe, as does a crisp salad. You could also pair it with ham and cheese sliders or top your soup with homemade croutons.