California Pizza Kitchen Split Pea Soup Recipe Made Easy

If you’ve ever dined at California Pizza Kitchen and savored their comforting split pea soup, you know it’s a bowl of pure, hearty goodness. Thankfully, you don’t have to wait for your next restaurant visit to enjoy this delicious soup!

This California Pizza Kitchen Split Pea Soup recipe brings that creamy, flavorful experience right to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you can recreate this cozy, nutritious soup that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a wholesome meal.

Whether you’re a fan of homemade soups or just looking to try something new, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your soup rotation. Let’s dive into the details and make a pot of this classic comfort food together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe captures the essence of California Pizza Kitchen’s famous split pea soup with its velvety texture and perfectly balanced flavors. It’s loaded with protein-rich split peas, tender ham or smoked turkey (optional), and aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions.

The soup is naturally thick, creamy, and incredibly satisfying without relying on heavy cream or artificial additives.

It’s also a budget-friendly meal that uses pantry staples you might already have on hand. Plus, it’s easy to customize — whether you want it vegetarian or packed with smoky meat flavor.

The slow simmering process melds all the ingredients into a harmonious blend that tastes like it’s been cooking for hours, even if you make it in under two hours!

Finally, this soup freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of classic comfort with a homemade twist.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 1 cup diced ham or smoked turkey (optional)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander or sieve (for rinsing peas)
• Immersion blender or regular blender (optional, for creamier texture)
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the split peas: Rinse the dried split peas under cold water, removing any debris or discolored peas. Set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add garlic and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add split peas and broth: Pour in the rinsed split peas and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Add ham and season: If you’re using ham or smoked turkey, add it now. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil and simmer: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover partially with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check the soup’s consistency.
7. Check for doneness: The peas should be soft and breaking down. If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, transfer portions to a blender carefully, then return to the pot.
8. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
9. Garnish and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, croutons, or an olive oil drizzle if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra smoky flavor, try using smoked turkey instead of ham, or add a dash of smoked paprika to the soup.”

• Vegetarian version: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a splash of soy sauce or liquid smoke for depth.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream at the end for a richer texture.
• Pressure cooker shortcut: You can cook this soup in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to reduce cooking time to about 30 minutes.
• Storage: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Serving Suggestions

This split pea soup pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads or warm, crusty bread. Try it alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.

For a heartier option, serve with garlic breadsticks or a grilled sandwich like our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

It also works beautifully as a starter for a multi-course dinner, setting a cozy tone before your main dish. For more comforting soup ideas, check out our Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide or explore A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals for seasonal inspiration.

Conclusion

Making California Pizza Kitchen’s split pea soup at home is not only satisfying but also surprisingly simple. This recipe offers a wholesome, nutritious meal that’s perfect for any day of the year.

The rich flavors of slow-simmered peas and tender veggies, enhanced by smoky ham or a vegetarian twist, make each spoonful comforting and delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or meal prepping for the week, this soup delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition. Its versatility allows you to tweak it according to your preferences or dietary needs.

Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a classic restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen!

Ready to explore more easy and delicious recipes? Don’t miss our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or dive into the flavorful world of Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for your next culinary adventure.

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