Goya split pea soup recipe lovers, this one’s for you. When the weather turns chilly and your kitchen begs for something warm, nourishing, and soulful, this soup delivers all that and more. Using Goya’s trusted dried green or yellow split peas, this recipe creates a bowlful of comfort rooted in Latin-American traditions and American comfort food heritage.
Whether you’re drawn to this dish because of childhood memories or just discovering the magic of split peas for the first time, you’re in for a treat. This split pea soup is simple, deeply flavorful, and hearty enough to be the main event at dinner—perfect for cozy family meals or make-ahead lunches that taste better each day.
🧑🍳 A Personal Note: Grandma’s Golden Pot
As a child, I used to sit in my abuela’s kitchen in Brooklyn, where Caribbean rhythms mingled with the bubbling of pots and the scent of garlic and oregano. Her Goya split pea soup was sacred—simple, smoky, and seasoned just right. Her secret wasn’t fancy ingredients or complex steps. It was all about love, patience, and Goya split peas. She always said, “The peas do the work—you just guide them.”
Inspired by her, this recipe combines the heartiness of American-style split pea soup with the spice, soul, and pantry staples of a Latin-American kitchen.
🥣 Why This Goya Split Pea Soup Recipe Stands Out
There are plenty of split pea soup recipes out there, but here’s why this one shines:
- ✅ Authenticity: Goya ingredients are staples in Latin households, bringing genuine flavor and reliability.
- ✅ Versatility: Can be made vegetarian, vegan, or meaty with minimal changes.
- ✅ One-Pot Wonder: Everything simmers together for rich depth—less mess, more flavor.
- ✅ Great for Making Ahead: The flavor deepens by the next day—ideal for batch baking.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare this delicious Goya split pea soup recipe, gather the following:
Core Ingredients:
- 1 pound of Goya dried split peas, either green or yellow
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 medium potato, diced (adds thickness and creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional (But Recommended) Flavor Boosters:
- 1 cup diced cooked ham or a ham hock (traditional)
- 1 tsp Goya Adobo seasoning
- ½ tsp Sazón Goya with coriander and annatto
- 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
🥬 Vegan Tip: Skip the ham and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor.
🥄 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Rinse and Inspect the Peas
Start by placing your Goya split peas in a colander. Rinse under cold water and pick through to remove any small stones or debris. No soaking required—Goya split peas soften perfectly in a little over an hour of cooking.
2. Sauté the Base
Warm olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until the vegetables soften and the aroma fills your kitchen. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add Spices and Peas
Sprinkle in the cumin, oregano, Adobo, and Sazón (if using). Stir well. Then, add the rinsed Goya split peas, diced potato, bay leaf, and broth.
📝 Optional Meat Step: If using a ham hock, add it now. If adding diced ham, stir it in during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
4. Simmer Slowly
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cover and cook for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally. The split peas will gradually break down, thickening the soup naturally. If the soup becomes too thick, stir in a bit of water or additional broth to loosen it.
5. Final Touches
Once the soup is thick and creamy, taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in diced ham if using.Take out the bay leaf and ham hock before ladling the soup into bowls.
🥘 How to Serve Goya Split Pea Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty sourdough or French bread
- White rice (traditional in many Latin homes)
- Warm corn tortillas
- A dash of lime juice for brightness
- Chopped cilantro or parsley as garnish
For an authentic Puerto Rican vibe, serve it with a side of tostones (fried green plantains) or a small scoop of arroz con gandules.
🥡 Storage and Meal Prep
Split pea soup is the meal that keeps on giving. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It will thicken overnight—add broth or water when reheating.
- Freezer: Divide into portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
🌶️ Flavor Variations & Twists
Want to shake it up? Try these:
- Spicy Latin Style: Add a diced jalapeño or serrano chile during the sauté step.
- Caribbean Flair: Use coconut milk for part of the broth and a splash of lime juice at the end.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach or kale in the final 10 minutes for added greens.
- Dutch Touch: Add a drizzle of vinegar and croutons on top for a European fusion.
📚 Nutritional Benefits
Split peas are packed with:
- Plant-based protein: 16g per cup
- Fiber: Excellent for digestion
- Iron, potassium, and B vitamins
Split peas are incredibly nutritious, packed with plant protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, legumes like split peas can help reduce cholesterol, support heart health, and improve digestive function.
🧂 Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Always rinse split peas before cooking.
- Don’t add salt too early—wait until peas soften.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir often and avoid sticking.
- Want it extra smooth? Use an immersion blender for a creamy texture (remove ham first).
📝 Conclusion
More than just a meal, this Goya split pea soup recipe offers cozy comfort on chilly days, honors Latin-American culinary roots, and serves as a wholesome, budget-friendly option for families. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, white rice, or fried plantains, each spoonful carries the heart of home cooking.
By using Goya split peas, you’re choosing a product trusted by generations, known for its quality and consistency. And with a little time, a handful of humble ingredients, and your own personal touches, you can transform them into a deeply satisfying dish that warms the body and soul.
So next time winter knocks on your door, let this hearty soup answer. Don’t forget to double the batch—you’ll thank yourself later.
👉 Tried this recipe?Share your favorite twists on this recipe by leaving a comment below! Was it spicy? Smoky? Vegetarian? I’d love to hear how you made it your own!
