split pea soup--andersen's original recipe

Port Hueneme, CA
Updated on Nov 10, 2025

Anyone who has ever eaten split pea soup at Pea Soup Andersen's Restaurant in Buellton, California, knows it is a unique soup. But the recipe is no secret. It's offered to anyone who buys a bag of split peas in their food shop. This is the recipe off the bag. I've made it many times, and it's always a hit. And, by the way, the stuff by the same name that they sell in cans can't compare in taste to this homemade recipe.

prep time 20 Min
cook time 50 Min
method ---
yield 2-4 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 2 quarts soft water (i have always just used whatever came out of my tap)
  • 2 cups split peas (a 14-16 oz. bag)
  • 1 - branch of celery, chopped
  • 1 - large carrot, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon thyme, ground
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 - bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make split pea soup--andersen's original recipe

  • Step 1
    I usually use a 28-ounce package of peas and double the rest of the ingredients. A single recipe isn't quite enough for a family of two adults and two children, or to have enough for a second meal for two adults.
  • Step 2
    Combine all ingredients in a large pot and boil hard for 20 minutes, then slowly until peas are tender. (The 50-minute cooking time is approximate. After the 20 minutes of "hard boil," I reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the peas mash easily.)
  • Step 3
    Strain through a fine sieve. (I use my food processor. Don't forget to remove the bay leaf!)
  • Step 4
    Reheat to the boiling point.
  • Step 5
    I ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle it with a bit of paprika or Parmesan and a few croutons. I never add ham or anything to this recipe because I love Andersen's flavor. I sometimes make a different split pea soup with ham that I don't puree--I leave it kind of chunky with the peas adding texture. It just depends upon what I'm in the mood for. :)

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)
calories: 744kcal, carbohydrates: 135g, cholesterol: 0mg, fat: 3g, fiber: 55g, protein: 51g, saturated fat: 1g, sodium: 352mg, sugar: 22g, unsaturated fat: 3g
*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

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