Skip to Content

Split Pea and Lentil Soup

Split pea and lentil soup, comforting cool weather soup with split peas, lentils, bacon and ham.  Easy to make on the stovetop or in the pressure cooker.

Soup in bowl with bread on side.

I'm not sure why I wanted to make this Split Pea and Lentil Soup last week, but I'm glad I did.  Maybe I got a taste for it when the hot, humid streak finally ended and we had a taste of some fall weather.  I used to make this years ago and then I lost the recipe.  I jotted down what I could remember on a little piece of paper and that's what I use to jog my memory.

Split pea soup in white bowl with thyme sprig.

Meathead loves split pea soup and, unfortunately, he buys cans of the chunky, gloppy kind to satisfy his craving.  I don't make split pea soup often, usually around a holiday if I have a leftover ham bone.  

But you know, it's not hard to make and so I'm going to start making it again.  In addition to split peas, my version has lentils.  It's good for you, satisfying and the smoky bacon and ham shanks gives it incredible flavor.

Ingredients for split pea and lentil soup labeled with text on wooden cutting board.

I start with bacon, and then soften and lightly brown some vegetables in the drippings for the base.  I use homemade chicken stock, ham shanks for more smoky flavor, and shredded potato to thicken it up.  It only needs about an hour to simmer for the split peas and lentils to become tender.

When the soup is done, you can chop up the meat from the ham shanks and add it back in.  You can use a smoked ham hock to give the soup a ton of flavor, but probably no meat to be had.  That's why I prefer a meaty ham bone if I have one, or ham shanks.

Soup in serving bowl with spoon.

I started with 6 cups of chicken stock.  After awhile it seemed too thick so I added another cup.  I think maybe the original recipe might have called for 8 cups of stock, so I am going to have to say 6 - 8 cups of chicken stock is needed.  Sorry for not being 100 per cent sure on this.

Split Pea and Lentil Soup in bowl with sprig of fresh thyme.

Split peas and lentils ~ a great combo for soup.  We had it for dinner with some crusty bread and then again for lunch the next day.  And, of course, it was even better the next day.  

So even if it's not a holiday or you don't have a leftover ham bone, don't let that stop you from making this terrific and hearty Split Pea and Lentil Soup.  It's what comfort food is all about.  Kelly🍴🐦

Split Pea and Lentil Soup in bowl with spoonful raised above.

I've updated the recipe to include instructions for making in the Instant Pot.  I love it either way, but with the pressure cooker there is no tending to the pot while it simmers on the stovetop and the resulting soup is a bit creamier, just sayin'.

You might also like these soups in the cold weather to warm up to!

HUNGRY FOR MORESubscribe to my Newsletter and come hang out with me on INSTAGRAM, or give me a follow on FACEBOOK or see what I’m pinning on PINTEREST.

Soup in serving bowl with spoon.

Split Pea and Lentil Soup

Comforting cool weather soup with split peas, lentils, bacon and ham. Easy to make on the stovetop or in the pressure cooker.
4.91 from 20 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 389kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 pieces thick cut bacon, chopped
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • ½ cup finely chopped carrot
  • ½ cup finely chopped leeks, white and light green parts only, rinsed well to remove any sand
  • ¼ cup chopped celery and leaves
  • ¾ cup dried split peas and ¾ cup dried lentils, picked over and rinsed
  • 6 - 8 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
  • 3 smoked ham shank pieces
  • ½ russet potato, shredded
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed to release flavor
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot, cook bacon until crisp and fat is rendered.  Transfer to paper towel to drain.  Reserve about a tablespoon or so of fat in the pot.
  • Add onion, carrot and leeks to pot.  Sprinkle with some salt and cook until vegetables have softened and lightly browned, about 5-10 minutes.
  • Stir in bay leaves and thyme, and then add the split peas and lentils, celery and reserved bacon.  Cover with the chicken stock.  Add the shredded potato and ham hock, season with more salt and some pepper, and bring to a boil. Turn down to a simmer, cover with lid slightly askew.
  • Skim any foam that rises to the surface during the first 10-15 minutes.  Stir occasionally and simmer for another 45 minutes or until the split peas and lentils are tender.  Add more stock if the soup seems too thick.
  • Remove ham shanks, cool slightly and cut up meat and add back to the soup.  
  • Check for seasoning and serve.

Recipe Notes

To make in the Instant Pot:
 
  1. On sauté setting, cook the bacon until crisp and fat is rendered, remove from pot and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of fat in pot.  Add carrots, onion and leeks, a sprinkle of salt, and cook until softened.  Turn off sauté function. Stir in bay leaf and thyme, split peas and lentils, celery and reserved bacon.  Cover with 7 cups of chicken stock and stir in shredded potato.  Add ham shanks and season with a little salt and pepper.
  2. Seal pressure cooker and set for 20 minutes at high pressure.  Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.  Open pot and remove ham shanks to cutting board.  Stir soup thoroughly and taste for seasonings.  Cut ham off the bone into pieces and return to soup.  Enjoy!
  3. Prep time is the same, about 15 minutes, and about 10 minutes of sautéing.  It takes about 15 - 20 minutes to come to pressure, then cook for 20 minutes, then pressure release of about 15 - 20 minutes.  Total time start to finish, about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 389kcal Carbohydrates: 41g Protein: 23g Fat: 14g Saturated Fat: 4g Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g Monounsaturated Fat: 6g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 29mg Sodium: 938mg Potassium: 1019mg Fiber: 7g Sugar: 12g Vitamin A: 1989IU Vitamin C: 8mg Calcium: 48mg Iron: 3mg
Did you make this recipe? Please comment, rate it and share! And mention me on Instagram @thehungrybluebird or tag #thehungrybluebird so I can see!
 

 

Recipe Rating




LIz

Sunday 15th of January 2023

I just made this for the first time and it turned out great! Unfortunately, I had to use some alternatives that I had already. I had to omit the leeks because I didn't have any. I also had to substitute the broth to beef because that was the only one I had today. I ran half of the soup through the blender to thicken it up a bit and added a couple of additional spices I had in the pantry. I added a dash of cumin and an Ethiopian blend which turned out very well. Thanks for the recipe. I'd never thought to use lentils and split peas together.

Sasha

Saturday 11th of December 2021

I love that you have recipe instructions for both stove top and instant pot. I can't wait to try this recipe on my family tonight, Thanks!

Brittney F

Thursday 11th of November 2021

We made this last night almost to a T but my husband’s inner chef always comes out and he added a few other spices like cumin, turmeric and swapped shredded russet for two small diced red potatoes. Oh and instead of ham shanks (cause there wasn’t any at the store) extra bacon and some butter. Amazing, had some more for lunch today! Sooo delicious! 🤤 side of bread of course! Thanks for the recipe Kelly! ❤️

Kelly

Wednesday 17th of November 2021

Sounds delish! Nothing wrong with letting that inner chef come out!

Deryck A Clarke

Monday 12th of April 2021

Delicious! So good with garlic croutons and a little hot sauce Ooooo!

Kelly

Wednesday 19th of May 2021

YUMM!

Jesus Perez

Friday 12th of March 2021

Making it this Friday