This attractive split pea soup mix is not only visually appealing but also delicious and incredibly easy to assemble. It’s ideal for keeping in your pantry, taking to the cottage, or gifting to friends and family as a thoughtful kitchen present.
Benefits of Three Layer Split Pea Soup Mix
- Super easy to assemble
- Minimal ingredients
- Very affordable
- Can be gluten free (check your bouillon)
- Can be vegan (check your bouillon)
- High in plant protein and fibre
- Fast and simple to prepare
Keep a jar on hand for a quick pantry meal, or give it as a handy gift so someone else can enjoy a simple, comforting soup whenever they like.
Where to Find the Ingredients
Split peas, seasonings and bouillon (powder, cubes or paste) are commonly available at most grocery stores. Look for split peas in the dried bean aisle and seasonings in the spice section; bouillon is sometimes stocked near soups or in the spice aisle. Bulk food stores are also a good option, especially if you need specific bouillon types or packaging sizes.
What Type of Containers?
Jars
Recycled jars work perfectly. A pint (2 cup/500 ml) jar is the ideal size; old salsa or pickle jars are great choices. You don’t need canning jars unless you prefer them—any container with a tight-sealing lid will do.
Seasoning Bag
Small zipper baggies are handy for the spice pack, but you can also wrap spices in plastic wrap, parchment, or wax paper if you don’t have the right-sized bag. The goal is to keep the spices separate and neatly packaged on top of the dry peas.
Bags for Shipping
If you’re sending soup mixes by mail, avoid glass. Use sturdy plastic bags or non-zip storage bags and seal them tightly—twist ties work—to preserve the layered appearance and prevent spills. Craft stores offer many bagging options if grocery store sizes are not suitable.
Bouillon Optional
You can use homemade stock, bouillon powder, cubes, paste, or canned/tetra pak broth—whatever you prefer. If you include bouillon in the jar, follow the brand’s water-to-bouillon ratio. Otherwise list the stock as an ingredient the cook should supply. For this mix we recommend using 5 cups of soup stock when preparing the soup; if you want the jar to be fully complete, add the appropriate amount of bouillon powder or cubes for 5 cups of water.
Shelf Life
Stored airtight in a cool, dry place, dried soup mixes will remain safe for years. For best flavor and quality, use and rotate pantry items within 12 months. Older dried peas can take longer to cook as they dry out, though they remain safe to eat.
Fun Facts about Split Peas
Split peas have a long history, enjoyed since ancient times. They split naturally and are a versatile, nutritious pantry staple.
Very Nutritious
Split peas are rich in plant-based protein and fiber. A half-cup of cooked split peas provides protein, fiber, folate, iron and potassium, making them a nourishing choice for soups and stews.
Quick Cooking
Split peas cook faster than many other dried pulses, which makes them ideal for quick soups.
Different Colours
Yellow and green split peas are simply different varieties of field peas. They are similar in nutrition, flavor and cooking time. Using both can make the finished soup more visually appealing—yellow peas yield a warmer, golden hue.
Store Well
When kept dry and dark, split peas store well for an extended period. For the best texture and cooking time, rotate them within a year.
Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot Instructions
Rinse the peas, add peas with the spice pack and 5 cups of broth to the pressure cooker. Seal and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10–15 minutes. Open, stir, adjust thickness and seasoning, and serve.
Printable Label
A printable pea soup mix label is available for convenience if you want to add professional-looking instructions and decoration to your jars or bags.
Split Pea Soup Mix
Ingredients
- 2 cups yellow and/or green split peas
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- 1 tsp turmeric (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
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In a pint size (2 cup/500 ml) jar or bag, add split peas.
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Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and place them in a small bag or wrapped packet on top of the peas.
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Seal the jar or bag, label and include cooking instructions for the recipient.
Cooking Instructions
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Also needed:
5 cups soup stock
1–2 cups chopped cooked ham (optional)
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Remove the spice pack and rinse the split peas under cold water.
Add peas and spices to a pot with five cups of soup stock.
Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat and simmer for 45–50 minutes.
Stir occasionally, adding water as needed, and cook until peas are tender. Puree for a smooth finish if desired.
If using ham, stir it in and simmer 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
If you prefer to include bouillon powder or cubes, replace the stock with water and add the equivalent bouillon for 5 cups of water (for example, 2 cubes or about 2 tbsp powder—follow your brand’s instructions).
Turmeric is optional but adds colour, flavour and a nutritional boost.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
More Soup Mixes & Gift Ideas
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- Cookies in a Jar
- Soup in a Jar
- Flavoured Infusions and Preserves
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Will you make this soup mix for yourself or as a gift? I’d love to hear what you create—drop a line or share a photo on Instagram with #getgettys so it can be seen and enjoyed.