Split Pea Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl for Cold Winter Days
Don't throw away that pork shoulder bone! This hearty split pea soup is my favorite way to use leftover pork drippings and bone broth. Whenever I roast a pork shoulder, I save the bone and drippings to make this rich, flavorful soup that's both wholesome and budget-friendly.
The secret is in the pork broth—boiling the bone creates a deep, savory base that store-bought broth just can't match. Combined with split peas, and simple vegetables. This soup is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food.
This recipe is perfect for busy families looking to stretch their grocery budget and reduce food waste. The soup freezes beautifully, so I often make a big batch and save portions for quick weeknight dinners. It's nutritious, satisfying, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Ready to transform your leftover pork into something delicious? Let's make split pea soup!
When winter settles in and the days feel a little longer and colder, this simple split pea soup becomes the kind of meal you crave on repeat. It’s warm, hearty, and deeply comforting in a way that feels familiar and reassuring. Made with humble ingredients and pantry staples, this soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated—or expensive—to be deeply satisfying.
One of the best things about this split pea soup recipe is how budget-friendly and flexible it is. Leftover pork drippings or pork broth bring rich, savoury depth, making this a smart and delicious way to stretch ingredients you already have. If you’re short on pork broth, there’s no stress here—just top it up with chicken broth or water. I would highly recommend adding bacon bits, if you have them on hand. This forgiving approach makes the recipe accessible, practical, and perfect for everyday cooking.
This soup also comes together effortlessly. Everything goes into one pot, simmers gently, and transforms with very little hands-on time. Frozen mirepoix does the heavy lifting, while split peas slowly soften and thicken the broth into a cozy, spoon-clinging texture. It’s the kind of recipe that fits beautifully into busy winter routines, whether you’re cooking after school or prepping meals ahead of time.
Parents especially love this recipe because it’s great for kids’ lunches—filling, nourishing, and easy to reheat. And the real win? Kids genuinely love it. The mild flavours, soft texture, and comforting warmth make this soup approachable even for picky eaters. Pair it with freshly toasted sourdough bread, and you’ve got a lunch or dinner that feels special without any extra effort.
If you’re looking for the ultimate winter comfort soup, this split pea soup checks every box: affordable, simple, cozy, and family-approved. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to all season long, especially on those cold days when you want something warm, familiar, and deeply satisfying simmering on the stove.
Split Pea Soup (Budget-Friendly Winter Comfort)
Why You’ll Love This Soup
Ultimate comfort food for cold winter months
Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples, and leftover porc drippings or broth
A great way to use leftover pork drippings or pork broth
One-pot, low-effort recipe
Kid-approved and perfect for school lunches
Ingredients
½ bag frozen mirepoix
1 teaspoon granular garlic
1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola oil works well)
2 liters pork drippings or pork broth
If needed, supplement with chicken broth or water
½ cup split peas
Salt, to taste
How to Make Split Pea Soup
Add all ingredients to a large stock pot over medium-low heat.
Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer, keeping the pot covered.
Stir occasionally and add water if the soup becomes too thick.
Simmer for about 40 minutes, until the split peas are soft and tender.
Let cool slightly, season with salt to taste.
Remove half the soup. Blend it, and pour it back in the soup. Stir, and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
This split pea soup pairs beautifully with freshly toasted sourdough bread, making it a cozy, complete meal the whole family will enjoy.
Storage & Lunchbox Tips
StorStores well in the fridge for up to 4 days
Thickens as it sits—add a splash of water when reheating
Perfect for thermos lunches on cold school days
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make split pea soup without pork broth?
Yes. Use whatever pork drippings or broth you have and substitute the rest with chicken broth or water.
Pro tip: Add a handful of bacon bits, if you have them on hand. :)
Is split pea soup good for kids?
Absolutely. This mild, comforting soup is soft, filling, and kid-approved.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.