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Enjoy the warmth of our single serve Split Pea Soup recipe, featuring green split peas, aromatic vegetables, and savory ham. This recipe is created to provide the rich flavors and hearty warmth of the classic dish without any leftovers. Easy to prepare in one pot, this Split Pea Soup offers a comforting food experience, making it your go-to for a satisfying, no-fuss meal.
Love this split pea soup and craving more single serving soup recipes? We have plenty of delicious recipes to explore!
In the meantime, enjoy your hearty split pea soup with a slice or two of freshly baked French bread for dipping, or keep it light with a simple green salad dressed with a homemade vinaigrette.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Simplicity: Easy-to-follow instructions make this recipe a joy to cook.
- Flavor Depth: The combination of ham, split peas, and aromatic veggies create a rich and satisfying taste.
- Highly Adaptable: Cater the recipe to your dietary preferences by swapping ingredients.
- Cost-Effective: Made with budget-friendly ingredients, this soup won’t break the bank.
- Perfect for Doubling: Need more servings? This recipe scales up beautifully without losing any flavor.
What Are Split Peas?
Split peas are dried peas that come in two varieties: yellow and green. They’re derived from field peas and are halved along their natural seam, which gives them the name “split peas.” These versatile legumes can be stored for up to 12 months in a sealed container, making them a convenient pantry staple. Unlike some other legumes, split peas don’t require pre-soaking, saving you prep time. When cooked, they transform into a creamy texture, perfect for soups and stews. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also nutritional powerhouses, packed with both protein and fiber.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch split pea soup recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to choice for this single serving split pea soup recipe. It’s the purest form of olive oil, capturing the essence of olive flavor while preserving its nutrients. Feel free to swap it with light olive oil based on your personal preference.
- Vegetables: For this recipe, you’ll need about half a small onion, one medium carrot, one stalk of celery, and a single garlic clove. These veggies build a solid flavor foundation for your soup. In many of our recipes, we often use these four vegetables. If you have any of them left over, they’re great for adding to dishes like Slow Cooker Pot Roast, Chicken Stew, or Vegetable Soup.
- Ham: Diced ham is perfect for this scaled-down recipe. It adds a salty, meaty flavor without requiring a large portion. If ham isn’t on hand, bacon crumbles make a delicious topping for your finished dish. Consider using leftover ham to make Ham and Cheese Sliders.
- Dried split peas: The star of the show, rich in protein and fiber. Contrary to popular belief, pre-soaking isn’t a must for split peas. Just be sure to rinse them and sift through to remove any unwanted debris before cooking.
- Chicken broth: I lean towards low-sodium chicken broth to better manage the soup’s salt levels. If you’re using regular chicken broth, consider dialing back the added salt. Always taste and adjust seasonings as you go. Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian option. Consider using leftover broth in Chicken and Rice Casserole or White Bean Soup.
- Seasonings: A blend of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning adds depth to the soup. If you’re missing Italian seasoning, a mix of basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary will work just fine.
Recipe Variations
Take your split pea soup to the next level! These creative variations offer something for everyone – spicy options, slow cooker convenience, and ideas for dietary needs. Each twist is simple to add, letting you customize your classic soup with ease.
- Spice It Up: To turn up the heat, incorporate finely chopped jalapeños when you add the rest of the vegetables to the soup.
- Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup: For hands-off cooking, put all ingredients in a 1.5 quart or a 2-quart slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the peas are soft and tender.
- Curried Split Pea Soup: Introduce an exotic flair by mixing 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of curry powder into the vegetable stage of the recipe.
- Split Pea And Sausage Soup: For a smoky alternative to ham, consider adding sliced or diced smoked sausage to your split pea soup.
- Vegetarian or Vegan Split Pea Soup: This recipe works for both vegetarian and vegan diets! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a flavorful base. Omit the ham entirely for a completely plant-based soup.
How To Make Split Pea Soup For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a single serving of split pea soup. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Before you begin, gather all the ingredients listed in the recipe. For even more helpful tips and possible substitutions, be sure to read through the Ingredient Notes section.
- Heat oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the diced ham, split peas, broth, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered for about 1 hour.
- Discard the bay leaf and remove the pot from the stove.
- Ladle the soup into a bowl. The soup will thicken as it sits on the stove. If necessary, thin it with water and adjust seasonings as necessary.
Expert Tips
- Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your Split Pea Soup turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
- Add a Red Potato: For an even heartier meal, toss in a diced red potato along with the carrots and celery during the cooking process.
- Thickness Control: If your soup isn’t achieving the desired thickness, let it simmer uncovered for an extra 10 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Handling Leftovers: Keep in mind that the soup will thicken upon cooling. To revive leftovers, consider adding a splash of water to reach your preferred consistency.
Topping Ideas For Your Soup
- Homemade Croutons: Use up your leftover bread by making small batch croutons that add both crunch and flavor to your soup.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Add Greens: Stir a small handful of chopped baby spinach into the hot soup for added nutrition and a splash of vibrant color.
- Creamy Finish: Complete your bowl with a dollop of sour cream for a smooth, rich texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! To make split pea soup for two people, simply double the quantities of all the ingredients in the recipe.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Definitely. Store your split pea soup in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Split peas are nutritionally rich, offering a good balance of protein and fiber. They’re low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, while also providing essential minerals like zinc, potassium, and iron.
Discover More Single Serving Soup Recipes
Craving more comforting soups that are perfect for one? From creamy classics to hearty bowls filled with pasta or protein, this list offers a variety of options to keep your single serving soup game strong. Explore these delightful choices to find your next favorite!
- Potato Soup: A creamy concoction perfect for when you’re in need of some hearty comfort food.
- White Bean Soup: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is both filling and delicious.
- Tortellini Soup: A vibrant bowl filled with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a comforting broth.
- Zuppa Toscana: A rich, Italian-inspired soup with sausage, potatoes, and a touch of cream.
- Tomato Soup: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Indulge in this creamy blend of veggies and sharp cheddar cheese.
- Taco Soup: Enjoy the flavors of your favorite taco in a warm, satisfying bowl of soup.
- Clam Chowder: Seafood lovers, this one’s for you! Creamy and packed with tender clams.
- Lasagna Soup: All the flavors of lasagna combined into one pot for a simpler yet equally tasty experience.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this small batch split pea soup recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Split Pea Soup For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 medium carrot -peeled and chopped
- 1 celery rib -chopped
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup diced ham (0.7-ounces)
- ⅓ cup dried green split peas -rinsed and drained (2-ounces)
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan, warm the oil over medium heat.
- Combine onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and salt in the saucepan. Cook this mixture for 3 minutes, stirring now and then.
- Add the diced ham, split peas, broth, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and pepper to the pan.
- Once it reaches a boil, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the saucepan. Let it simmer for about 1 hour, giving it an occasional stir.
- After simmering, take out the bay leaf and remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Serve the soup in a bowl. Note that it will thicken if left on the stove. If it gets too thick, thin it with a bit of water and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
This comes very close to traditional Dutch splitpea soup! We usually use smoked bacon instead of ham and something called “rookworst” which is apparently almost impossible to get outside the Netherlands. I’ve heared that Polish “Kieลbasa” comes somewhat close.
Thank you for sharing! I love learning about the traditional Dutch touchesโitโs amazing how ingredients like smoked bacon and rookworst bring so much authentic flavor. Itโs true, rookworst can be tough to find outside the Netherlands, but kielbasa is a great tip for a close substitute!
The flavor is delicious! I cooked mine for almost 1 hour 20 minutes and my peas still have a crunch to them. Not sure what I should do differently.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the flavor! As for the peas still having a crunch, that can happen for a few reasons. Sometimes older dried peas take longer to soften because their skins toughen over time. The type of water used can also affect cookingโif your water has a higher mineral content (hard water), it can slow down the softening process. If you suspect the peas are older, soaking them overnight can help them cook faster. Also, simmering them at a lower heat can prevent the skins from hardening before the insides soften. I hope this helps, and thanks for your feedback!
I love split pea soup, but never made it because it was always too many servings. I followed this recipe to a tee and it was delicious. I’ll definitely be making it again
I loved this pea soup so much that I made it three times the first week, I left out the bay leaf, Next time, I will add just a little more garlic.
I can’t believe that I didn’t leave a comment already! I’ve been making this soup for two years and I love it! I’m planning to have it with some Texas Toast for supper today.
This looks delicious! Any tips for making it in the instant pot?
Thank you! I don’t usually use an Instant Pot, so I can’t say for sure how long it would take or the exact settings. However, if you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Thank you for creating a one serving Split Pea Soup!! Itโs my favorite soup but I only get it when I eat out because most recipes make way to many servings for just me.
This is the BEST soup! I was raised on this soup I really appreciate a one-serving soup. IF I could give it more than 5 stars, I would do so.