Bay leaves and thyme are the two most important herbs for split pea soup, giving it an earthy, savory backbone. Layer them with black pepper, smoked paprika, and a little cumin to deepen flavor without overpowering the peas.
From traditional ingredients such as tarragon, dill, and savory, to unexpected additions like chipotle and balsamic vinegar, this article provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know to craft the perfect bowl of split pea soup.
Learn which herbs are best suited for your soup, when you should add them to get the full flavour out of each ingredient, and discover those unique surprises that will take your meal to a whole new level!
Essential Herbs and Spices for Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is a classic dish that can be enjoyed all year round.
To bring out its full flavor, it helps to use the best herbs and spices.
Here are eleven of the best pants to use when making split pea soup:
1. Parsley
Parsley is a widely used culinary herb, known for its bright, fresh flavor notes and fragrant aroma.
This herb contributes a nice flavor to all kinds of soups, stews and delicious sides dishes.
It's perfect for improving the unique taste of split pea soup, and has some impressive health benefits as well 1.
When adding parsley to split pea soup, it's best to do so at the end of cooking.
This ensures that its freshness and earthy flavours remain intact for you to enjoy.
This flexible herb adds a tasty twist that is sure to improve your spilt pea soup experience.
2. Chives
Chives are a type of green onion that can be used as an herb or a vegetable.
These leaves of chives are active ingredients in many recipes and dishes, with some even being featured in salads.
This herb is well-known for its mild onion aroma and flavor, offering richness and depth to dishes without overwhelming other flavors.
Using chives is a great way to add flavor to the soup while offering mix of color.
Chives are also packed with many essential minerals like vitamin K, iron, and magnesium, while being low in calories to make it an ideal ingredient for recipes that help you maintain a healthy diet.
3. Thyme
Thyme is a popular herb used in seasoning dishes and adding flavor to soups.
The herb belongs to the same family as oregano, marjoram, basil, lavender, and rosemary.
It has a strong, distinctive flavor that is well-suited for warm soups like split pea.
Thyme is thought to have some medicinal qualities, including helping with colds and aiding digestion.
It can also help improve the other flavors within a soup recipe by providing a subtle yet flavorful layering of complementary elements as with its fellow aromatic herbs and spices for split pea soup.
To add thyme to your split pea soup, use either dried leaves (1 teaspoon per pint/600mL of liquid) or fresh sprigs (3-4 sprigs per pint/600mL of liquid).
Both fresh and dried thyme bring a strong aroma that adds immense depth to this classic comfort food dish.
4. Basil
Basil is a fragrant herb with a slightly sweet, peppery taste.
It is a popular choice for many dishes and soups, and it can be easily dried for long-term storage.
When added to split pea soup, basil can bring a wonderful natural sweetness to the dish that will be sure to please your guests.
It pairs well with garlic, onion, and other ingredients commonly used in the soup.
Use fresh basil for the most flavor or alternatively use dried basil if fresh is not available.
A sprinkle of fresh basil can also worsen the soup in presentation value.
5. Oregano
Oregano is an herb that has long been associated with the Mediterranean region, though it is actually native to both Europe and western Asia.
Its fragrant aroma and flavorful, slightly peppery tastes make it a classic addition to split pea soup.
Oregano adds a warmth and richness that goes with the natural sweetness of split peas.
This is a versatile seasoning that can also be used with sage, rosemary, thyme, garlic or onion powder - or even a combination of all of these - for additional flavor depth.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is a potent herb with a strong pine-like aroma and taste.
When used in soup, it adds a filling, earthy flavor to the dish while still maintaining a subtle sweetness that blends nicely with the other ingredients.
Rosemary has long been used as an anti-inflammatory, thought to aid digestion and enhance immune function.
Adding rosemary to your split pea soup will give the dish depth and complexity, making it a flavorful and nutritious meal for any time of year.
7. Marjoram
Marjoram is a cousin of oregano and is closely related to mint.
It has a sweet, flowery, citrus-like flavor and adds a pleasing aroma to split pea soup.
Marjoram can be used alone or with other herbs and spices for an even fuller flavor.
Just a small pinch of this herb will do wonders for your soup, but if you want to make it particularly fragrant, try mixing it with sage and rosemary as recommended by some top chefs.
Adding marjoram will help bring out the underlying sweetness of the peas in your soup without overpowering their taste.
8. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are used in a number of Mediterranean dishes and are a staple for split pea soup.
These fragrant leaves are known for their earthy, savory flavor and can be used in combination with other herbs to add depth and complexity to a dish.
When adding bay leaves to split pea soup, use one or two leaves for a mild flavor or up to six for a more intense flavor.
Be sure to remove the bay leaves from the soup before serving as they can be very hard and difficult to chew.
9. Dill
Dill is a classic and aromatic herb that is commonly used for its flavor in soups, salads, seafood, and pickles.
This feathery-leafed Mediterranean herb is part of the parsley family, and it can be used both fresh and dried.
Dill has an anise-like flavor that goes well with the split pea flavors in soup; a little goes a long way.
Start with a teaspoon when adding to your split pea soup, tasting as you go to gauge your desired flavor level; you'd be surprised how much the flavor of dill can skyrocket if not kept in check.
10. Cloves
Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of an evergreen tree native to Indonesia.
These dried and unopened flower buds are one of the most costly spices due to their laborious harvesting process, but they add a rich, sweet flavor to dishes.
Cloves can be added whole or powdered into split pea soup during cooking and act as balanced accents in any combination of herbs and spices in the soup.
Ground cloves are more popular than whole cloves in cooking, but you can use either form for flavoring split pea soup.
Adding a few whole cloves during cooking will help draw out flavors from other seasonings and then remove them before serving.
11. Paprika
Paprika is a spice made from ground, dried ripe red peppers and is used to flavor many dishes.
It has a bright flavor and gives split pea soup a subtle yet flavorful depth.
Paprika is rich in Vitamin A and antioxidants, making it beneficial for your health as well as tasty.
The mild, sweet smell of paprika makes it a perfect addition to the comforting flavors of split pea soup.
Paprika can be sprinkled on top of the soup for color before serving.
Alternatively, you can add it with other herbs and spices early on in the cooking process so it has time to release its flavor into the broth before serving.
Enhancing Split Pea Soup with Herbs and Spices
Overall, using the right herbs and spices is essential for creating an incredibly flavorful split pea soup.
From the strong and nutty flavor of cumin to the subtle sweetness of bay leaves, these 11 herbs and spices can bring a world of flavor to your soup.
Whether you like to keep things simple with a pinch of parsley or want to add in plenty of other aromatic ingredients, you now have all the knowledge required to carefully season and spice up your split pea soup.
Armed with this list of essential herbs and spices, your dream dish will soon become a reality (or at least closer).
Ingredients
Method
- Select your favorite ingredient from the range available in this article.
- Collect all the necessary items to make the recipe.
- Use the instructions provided to prepare a delicious dish in 30 minutes or less.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!11 BEST Herbs and Spices for Split Pea Soup is approachable for home cooks of all skill levels. The techniques involved are straightforward, and most steps can be done in advance.
Yes - 11 BEST Herbs and Spices for Split Pea Soup reheats well and can be fully prepared up to a day in advance. Store in the fridge and warm gently before serving for best results.
Plenty of variations exist - from lighter, herb-forward versions to richer, sauced preparations. Spice level, protein choice, and garnishes can all be adjusted to taste.
Often, yes. Like many layered dishes, the flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it an excellent candidate for next-day lunches.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
