The BEST Split Pea Soup

5 from 4 votes

This split pea soup I grew up with in Germany is hearty and comforting. It is loaded with protein-packed split peas, seared pork chops and bacon, and tons of vegetables. The meat can be skipped to make this Erbensuppe (the German name for it) vegetarian and vegan. I have perfected and simplified the recipe over the years and I know you'll love it! Along with my lentil soup, it's one of the most budget-friendly and healthy ways to feed a crowd in the colder months.

Prep Time15

Cook Time1 45

Total Time2

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: German

Keyword: erbsensuppe recipe, german pea soup recipe, German Soup Recipe, pea soup recipe, Split pea soup recipe, vegetarian soup recipe

Servings: people

Calories: 818kcal

Ingredients

500 g dried peas
750 g pork chops
250 g bacon cut into small pieces
1 onion medium diced
2 bay leaves
2 carrots large carrots, cut into slices or medium dice
2 celery stalks medium diced
1 leek discard green parts and roots, cut into ½ inch rings
2 tablespoon olive oil
4 potatoes large, medium diced
pepper, salt to taste
1 handful parsley chopped, plus more for garnish

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

Cut the pork and bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. Salt and pepper the pork.
750 g pork chops, 250 g bacon, pepper, salt
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil in a large soup pot over medium high heat. Sear the meat on all sides with the bacon until browned. Remove the meat and sauté the onion until starting to brown.
1 onion, 2 tablespoon olive oil
Add back the meat and 2 quarts of water, the peas and the bay leaves and cook for 60 minutes on medium low heat, stirring every 15 minutes or so.
2 bay leaves, 500 g dried peas
In the meantime , prep the remaining vegetables and potatoes by cutting them into medium-sized pieces.
2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 leek, 4 potatoes
Sauté in one tablespoon of oil for a couple of minutes, and then add to the meat and peas. Simmer for 15 more minutes and stir occasionally.
2 tablespoon olive oil
Add a handful of chopped parsley to your split pea soup and season to taste with salt and pepper.
pepper, salt, 1 handful parsley

Video

Notes

Leftovers: You can easily store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to a couple of months.

Variations: You can leave out the meat and add sliced Wiener sausages (or hot dogs) at the end instead or use no meat at all to make this a vegetarian (and vegan) meal. It's great either way!

Nutrition