Split pea soup is a hearty, nutritious, and comforting meal perfect for a cold winter’s day or even as a light springtime lunch. Follow these 13 steps to create a delicious homemade split pea soup.

1. Gather your ingredients: To make split pea soup, you will need 2 cups of dried green or yellow split peas, 8 cups of water or stock, 1 large onion (diced), 2 carrots (diced), 3 celery stalks (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), some chopped ham or bacon (optional), salt and pepper to taste, and any herbs or spices you enjoy.

2. Rinse the split peas: Rinse the dried split peas under cold water in a fine mesh strainer, removing any stones or debris.

3. Soak the split peas: To help with digestion and cooking time, soak your split peas in water for at least four hours before cooking. Drain and rinse again.

4. Prepare your vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and mince the garlic. This will bring out their natural flavors in the soup.

5. Cook the onion and garlic: In a large pot over medium heat, add some oil and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

6. Add vegetables, ham/bacon (optional) & split peas: Add the diced carrots, celery, chopped ham/bacon (if using), and soaked split peas to the pot. Stir well.

7. Season to taste: Add salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you’d like to use.

8. Add water or stock: Pour in 8 cups of water or stock into the pot, ensuring that it covers all of the ingredients inside.

9. Bring to a boil: Increase heat until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce it to maintain a gentle simmer.

10. Let it cook: Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 1 ½ hours, or until the split peas become tender. Cook time may vary depending on the type of peas, age of peas, and soaking time.

11. Check for desired consistency: As the soup cooks, it will begin to thicken as split peas break down. You can adjust the consistency by adding more water or stock if necessary. Stir occasionally and check for seasoning.

12. Blend for a smoother texture (optional): If you prefer a smooth texture rather than chunky, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup to your desired level of smoothness.

13. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the hot split pea soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side. Enjoy your homemade split pea soup!

And there you have it! By following these 13 steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying homemade split pea soup that your friends and family will love.