15 Ways to Love Split Pea Soup

To me, this spicy pea soup is total comfort food. I cook it low and slow all day, and it fills the house with a yummy aroma. It's so good with a nice, crispy baguette. —Chelsea Tichenor, Huntington Beach, California

Many split pea soups use ham and bacon for good, smoky flavor. Taking it one amazing step farther-add crabmeat. Freeze this one without toppings (freeze the cooked bacon separately), then reheat soup in a saucepan. Feel free to add more chicken stock or broth when reheating if you need it. Sprinkle bacon and fresh crab on top of bowls of hot soup. —Stephen Exel, Des Moines, Illinois

I've been making this soup for years. After every holiday where ham is served, the hostess hands me the ham bone and a bag of peas when I leave. I love it with a slice of crusty fresh bread. —Susan Simons, Eatonville, Washington

This soup is great for stocking in the freezer and the curry gives it a warmer flavor, which goes so nicely with the salty ham. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

This slow-cooker soup is my secret weapon on busy days. It’s delicious served with oyster crackers tossed in a bit of melted butter and herbs, and then lightly toasted in the oven. —Whitney Jensen, Spring Lake, Michigan

When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I always like to make this soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina

A hint of curry adds the perfect amount of kick to this family pleasing soup. Just assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker and go about your day while it cooks. —Sue Mohre, Mount Gilead, Ohio

We started a 39-day Soup Challenge to eat healthier after the holidays, figuring if "Survivor" contestants could last 39 days on little food, surely we could survive on soup! This split pea soup was a family favorite. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma

For a different spin on split pea soup, try this recipe. The flavor is peppery rather than smoky. —Barbara Link, Rancho Cucamonga, California

This slow cooker soup is one of my favorite meals to make during a busy workweek. When I get home I just add the milk, and supper is served! —Deanna Waggy, South Bend, Indiana

The addition of tender meatballs add a flavorful twist to ordinary split pea soup. Whenever I prepare this for our church soup suppers, I come home with an empty kettle! —Donna Smith, Grey Cliff, Montana

For a different spin on traditional pea soup, try this split pea soup recipe with corned beef. The flavor is peppery rather than smoky, and a tasty change of pace. —Barbara Link, Alta Loma, California

My grandma's pea soup recipe was a family favorite. What makes it different from any other pea soups I have tried is the addition of whole peas, spaetzle-like "dumplings" and sausage. Try it once and you'll be hooked. —Carole Talcott, Dahinda, Illinois

A big bowl of substantial soup is the perfect antidote to cold weather and busy schedules. Whether it’s a weeknight family meal or an informal get-together, I pull out my tried-and-true soup and bread recipes and relax. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

My mother sent me some of this pretty dry blend along with the recipe. The hearty soup is thick with lentils, barley and peas, and chicken is a nice change from the usual ham. —Susan Ruckert, Tangent, Oregon