Cooking Time & Servings

Nebraska Barn Raising Split Pea Soup - Standard Recipe

You Will Need

Here's What You Do

  1. Thoroughly rinse and pick through the split peas.
  2. Cut bacon into ½ inch pieces and sauté for 10 minutes in a pot until nearly crisp (or place ham bone in pot). Drain excess grease.
  3. Stir in contents of vegetable & seasoning packet, split peas, and 6 cups broth to pot.
  4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer covered 2.5 hours; stir occasionally.
  5. Just before serving add sherry, if desired.

Soup may thicken as it cooks and/or rests, add optional water or broth to thin as desired.

Got leftovers? Learn how to cool, store, and reheat soup safely in our guide to soup storage and food safety.

Cooking & Nutrition Tips

Use the tips below to customize nutrition, boost flavor, or stretch the soup to fit your needs.

Reducing Sodium?

All of our mixes contain no added salt, only what occurs naturally in the ingredients. To further reduce sodium, use a low-sodium broth, bone broth, or stock. Organic broths often contain less sodium, and homemade broth/stock gives you the most control. Cut back on bacon and use reduced sodium versions or go vegetarian.

    Boosting Protein?

    Add smoked turkey legs, diced ham, or turkey sausage. For plant-based protein, add 2-4 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, hemp seeds, or white beans. Pairing with high-protein sides like sourdough, quinoa, or grated Parmesan cheese also increases protein intake.

    Cutting Calories/Fat?

    Halve the bacon or use lower sodium turkey bacon

    More Veggies?

    To boost vegetables, add 1½ cups chopped leeks with soup mix, and/or 1½ cups fresh or frozen green beans or green peas in the final ten minutes of cooking.

    Interested in whole grains or extra fiber?

    Try adding brown rice, quinoa, or barley to the simmering pot, along with extra fiber-rich veggies like spinach or diced potatoes. Add fiber-rich toppings like toasted pine nuts or by serving with seeded whole-grain bread.

    Looking for Mediterranean-Inspired additions?

    Serve with crusty whole wheat bread and garnish with chopped fresh herbs

    Serving and Garnish Ideas

    Top with crispy bacon, fresh parsley, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve with crusty sourdough bread, roasted veggie toast, or sweet potato fries for a hearty meal. For extra flavor, stir in lemon juice or top with cheddar cheese, green onions, or extra shredded ham.

    Cooking Methods

    Slow Cooker

    Recommended slow cooker size: 3-4 quart

    Here’s What You Do:

    1. Thoroughly rinse and pick through the split peas.
    2. Cut bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and sauté about 10 minutes in pan on stove
    3. Transfer bacon to bowl of slow cooker. Add contents of vegetable & seasoning packet, split peas, and broth to bowl.
    4. Cook on high, covered, 4-5 hours or low for about 8 hours.
    5. Just before serving add sherry, if desired.

    Pressure Cooker

    Here’s What You Do:

    1. Rinse, drain, and pick over peas.
    2. Cut bacon into ½ inch pieces. Using the Sauté setting, cook bacon for 5 minutes until nearly crisp.
    3. Add contents of Nebraska Barn raising Split Pea Soup Mix vegetable packet, peas, and broth to pot of pressure cooker.
    4. Set pressure cooker to 15 minutes of cook time at high pressure.
    5. Allow pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes for using the quick release.
    6. Just before serving add sherry, if desired.
    7. Optional: Top each bowl with croutons!

    Dietary Adaptations

    These mixes are flexible by design. Use the adaptations below to meet your dietary needs or cooking preferences.

    Vegan

    You will use the classic holy trinity of vegetable; onions, carrots, and celery, as a substitute for the meat in this variation recipe.

    You Will Also Need:

    • 4 Tbsp. oil
    • 1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
    • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (1 cup)
    • 2 celery stalks, sliced (1 cup)
    • 6 cups vegetable broth (48 oz.)
    • Optional: 1-2 Tbsp. liquid smoke, if desired

    Here’s What You Do:

    1. Pick though the split peas. Remove discolored, shriveled peas and any foreign material. Rinse well.
    2. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, in oil in a 4-qt pot on medium heat for 10 minutes.
    3. Stir in contents of the vegetable packet, split peas, and broth to the pot.
    4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If desired, add liquid smoke and simmer for 5 minutes before serving.

    Vegetarian

    • Omit bacon and ham bone
    • Add 1/3 cup each of chopped onion, carrots, and celery
    • Add 4 minced garlic cloves
    • Skip steps 2 and 3 of standard recipe

    Gluten Free

    This soup is naturally gluten free when prepared as directed. No special substitutions are needed.

    Dairy Free

    This soup is naturally dairy free when prepared as directed. No special substitutions are needed.

    Recipe Variations

    Looking to switch things up? A few simple tweaks can make this recipe your own.

    Creamier Texture:
    Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup once the peas are fully cooked for a thicker, creamier consistency.

    Additional Slow Cooker Method:
    Combine the soup mix with broth and a leftover meaty ham bone in a slow cooker. Cook on high for about 4–5 hours until the peas are tender.

    Turkey Instead of Ham:
    Substitute smoked turkey for the ham or bacon for a slightly lighter smoky flavor.

    Stock Tip:
    For the best flavor, choose a low-sodium broth without added sugar, which can alter the taste of split pea soup.

    Inspired by our customers. Thanks to Leona P., JH, Allene S., and Kenneth J. for sharing their ideas. Have a favorite twist of your own? Send us an email or leave a review on the product page.