There’s something magical about a warm bowl of split pea soup that can turn any dreary day into a cozy delight. Picture this: a thick, velvety green concoction, simmering on the stove, filling your kitchen with an aroma so comforting it could give your grandma’s hugs a run for their money. This split pea soup recipe is not just about flavor; it’s about nostalgia, warmth, and the kind of heartiness that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a blanket and a spoon.
Now, let me take you back to my first encounter with split pea soup. I was about eight years old, sitting at my grandmother’s kitchen table, staring suspiciously at the vibrant green bowl before me. “It looks like slime,” I thought to myself. But one spoonful later, I was hooked. That creamy texture and savory flavor danced on my taste buds like they were auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars.” Little did I know back then that this would become my go-to recipe for those chilly evenings when all I wanted was comfort in a bowl.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This split pea soup recipe packs a punch of flavor while being incredibly easy to prepare
- It’s visually appealing with its rich green color and perfect for any occasion
- You can customize it based on what you have in your pantry, making it versatile enough for any meal plan
- It’s healthy and satisfying, perfect for warming your soul on cold days
Family gatherings are always an adventure when this soup is involved. Seeing everyone’s delighted faces when they scoop up their second servings brings me pure joy.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Split Peas: Use dried green or yellow split peas; they’re both nutritious and cook well in soups.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add natural sweetness and depth; chop them into small cubes for even cooking.
Onion: A medium onion will provide aromatic flavor; consider using yellow or sweet onions for best results.
Celery: Celery gives the soup a lovely crunch; use fresh stalks that are firm and crisp.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the overall flavor; don’t skimp—more garlic means more yum!
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The base of your soup should be flavorful broth; low-sodium options work best to control saltiness.
Bay Leaves: These leaves impart subtle depth; remember to remove them before serving as they are not edible.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; adjust as needed for maximum flavor satisfaction.
Optional Ham Bone or Bacon: For those who love an extra layer of richness, adding ham bone or crispy bacon works wonders!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté Your Veggies: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery until they soften and become fragrant—about 5 minutes will do.
Add Garlic Magic: Once your veggies are tender, stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until its aroma fills your kitchen—trust me, no one can resist that!
Add Split Peas & Liquid Gold: Pour in rinsed split peas along with vegetable or chicken broth. The liquid should cover the peas by about two inches—this ensures everything cooks evenly into creamy goodness.
Add Seasonings & Bay Leaves!: Toss in bay leaves along with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir as you anticipate the lovely flavors melding together during cooking.
Let It Simmer Away!: Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing heat to low. Allow it to simmer gently for 60-90 minutes until the peas break down into that luscious texture you crave.
Final Touches & Serve!: Remove bay leaves before serving. If desired, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for extra creaminess while leaving some chunks intact—it’s all about personal preference!
Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful split pea soup recipe that warms hearts as much as it warms bellies!
You Must Know
- This delightful split pea soup recipe is not just comforting; it’s also super filling
- The vibrant colors and rich aromas will warm your kitchen and soul
- Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in some healthy greens without anyone noticing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic for maximum flavor, then add the peas and broth to simmer beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ham for turkey or add spinach for extra greens. Spice it up with smoked paprika!
Storing & Reheating
Store your split pea soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This soup thickens beautifully, so don’t worry if it seems thin at first
- Blend for a creamier texture or leave it chunky according to your preference
- Always taste as you go; adjusting seasoning can elevate the flavors significantly!
I remember the first time I made this split pea soup; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how comforting and delicious it was. I felt like a culinary superstar!
FAQ
Can I use dried split peas instead of fresh?
Yes, dried peas work wonderfully; just soak them overnight for best results.
How long does split pea soup last in the fridge?
This hearty soup lasts up to five days when stored properly in the fridge.
Can I freeze split pea soup?
Absolutely! It freezes well for up to three months in an airtight container.
Split Pea Soup
Warm up your cold days with this comforting split pea soup, a delightful blend of flavor and nostalgia. This hearty dish combines the earthy taste of split peas with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a velvety texture that warms your soul. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s easy to customize based on pantry staples. A bowl of this soup promises not only satisfaction but also the joy of gathering family together for seconds!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or yellow split peas
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 ham bone or 4 strips cooked bacon
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add rinsed split peas and broth until they are covered by about two inches of liquid.
- Season with bay leaves, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 60-90 minutes until peas are tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving; blend part of the soup if desired for creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
