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Warm up with our single serve Split Pea Soup, a hearty and flavorful classic scaled perfectly for one. Made with tender green split peas, savory ham, and aromatic vegetables, this one-pot recipe delivers rich, comforting flavors without the hassle of leftovers. Easy to prepare and satisfying to enjoy, it’s the ideal choice for a no-fuss, delicious meal.
If you’re a fan of this split pea soup, be sure to check out our collection of flavorful single serving soup recipes!
Pair your warm, hearty soup with a slice of freshly baked French bread for dipping or complement it with a crisp green salad tossed in a homemade vinaigrette for a lighter option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple steps make preparing this split pea soup stress-free.
- Rich Flavor: Ham, split peas, and aromatic vegetables combine for a hearty, flavorful bowl.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that deliver big on flavor.
- Scalable: Double the recipe easily for additional servings without compromising taste.
What Are Split Peas?
Split peas are dried peas, available in green or yellow varieties, that are halved along their natural seam—hence the name. They’re a pantry-friendly staple, lasting up to a year in a sealed container. Unlike many other legumes, split peas don’t need pre-soaking, saving you time. When cooked, they become creamy, making them ideal for soups and stews. Nutritious and flavorful, split peas are rich in protein and fiber, making them as healthy as they are versatile.
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 top choice for this recipe, adding a mild, rich flavor. You can substitute it with light olive oil if you prefer.
- Vegetables: This recipe uses half a small onion, one medium carrot, one celery stalk, and one garlic clove. These staple veggies create a flavorful base for the soup. If you have leftovers, use them in recipes like Slow Cooker Pot Roast, Chicken Stew, or Vegetable Soup.
- Ham: Diced ham adds a savory, smoky flavor to the soup. If you don’t have ham, crispy bacon crumbles make a great alternative. Leftover ham is perfect for recipes like Ham and Cheese Sliders.
- Dried Split Peas: The key ingredient! Split peas are packed with protein and fiber. No need to pre-soak—just rinse and check for any debris before cooking.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the soup’s saltiness. Regular chicken broth works too, but adjust the added salt accordingly. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth. Leftover broth is great in Chicken and Rice Casserole or White Bean Soup.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning enhances the soup’s flavor. If you’re out of Italian seasoning, a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme works well.
Recipe Variations
Transform your classic split pea soup with these easy and flavorful variations:
- Spicy Split Pea Soup: Add a chopped jalapeño with the vegetables for a burst of heat. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
- Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup: Combine all ingredients in a 1.5 quart or a 2-quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the peas are tender. Perfect for a no-fuss meal.
- Curried Split Pea Soup: Stir in 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of curry powder with the vegetables to add an aromatic, spicy depth to your soup.
- Split Pea and Sausage Soup: Swap out the ham for diced or sliced smoked sausage. It adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the peas beautifully.
- Vegetarian or Vegan Split Pea Soup: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian version. To make it vegan, simply omit the ham and enjoy a satisfying plant-based dish.
How To Make Split Pea Soup
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.
- Heat the oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the diced ham, split peas, chicken broth, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the soup simmer for approximately 1 hour, or until the peas are tender.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf. Take the pot off the heat.
- Ladle the soup into a bowl. If the soup has thickened too much, stir in a bit of water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving.
If you’d like to add some crunch and extra flavor, top your soup with Homemade Croutons made from leftover bread—perfect for enhancing this hearty dish.
Expert Tips
- Read First: Take a moment to read through the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes. This will give you a clear idea of each step, ensuring your Split Pea Soup turns out perfectly.
- Make It Heartier: For a more filling soup, add a diced red potato along with the carrots and celery. It enhances both texture and flavor.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, simmer it uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This will help reduce the liquid and intensify the flavors.
- Reheating Leftovers: Keep in mind that the soup will thicken as it cools. When reheating, stir in a bit of water or broth to bring it back to your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, split peas do not require soaking before cooking. Simply rinse them and check for any debris before adding them to the soup.
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the ham. You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water if it has thickened.
Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Bacon, smoked sausage, or even leftover rotisserie chicken work well. For a lighter option, try turkey bacon or omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
More Single Serving Soup Recipes To Try
Looking for more single serving soups? Whether you prefer creamy, hearty, or pasta-filled options, these recipes offer something for everyone.
- Potato Soup: Creamy, hearty, and perfect for a comforting meal.
- White Bean Soup: Protein-packed and full of flavor, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
- Tortellini Soup: A colorful bowl of tender pasta, fresh veggies, and a flavorful broth.
- Zuppa Toscana: Italian-inspired with sausage, potatoes, and a creamy finish.
- Tomato Soup: A timeless classic, perfect alongside a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A creamy blend of broccoli and sharp cheddar for a satisfying bowl.
- Taco Soup: All the bold flavors of a taco in a warm, hearty soup.
- Clam Chowder: A rich, creamy soup filled with tender clams—ideal for seafood lovers.
- Lasagna Soup: All the comforting flavors of lasagna, simplified into a single serving bowl of soup.
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
- Heat the oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the diced ham, split peas, broth, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf and take the saucepan off the heat.
- Ladle the soup into a bowl. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little water to reach your preferred consistency and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- Read First: Take a moment to read through the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes. This will give you a clear idea of each step, ensuring your Split Pea Soup turns out perfectly.
- Make It Heartier: For a more filling soup, add a diced red potato along with the carrots and celery. It enhances both texture and flavor.
- Adjust Thickness: If the soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, simmer it uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This will help reduce the liquid and intensify the flavors.
- Reheating Leftovers: Keep in mind that the soup will thicken as it cools. When reheating, stir in a bit of water or broth to bring it back to your desired consistency.
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.
This time I used a large garlic clove and the bay leaf. Excellent!!
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.