Split Pea Soup
Split Pea Soup is a cozy and hearty dish that warms both the body and the soul. With its vibrant green color and rich flavor, it has been a beloved comfort food for many cultures around the world. The silky texture of split peas, combined with the savory notes from ham and vegetables, makes this soup a delicious choice for chilly days. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
What You’ll Need for Split Pea Soup
Gather these ingredients to make a delicious batch of Split Pea Soup:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (150 g)
- 1 1/4 cups chopped celery (150 g)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (5 g)
- 4 cups unsalted chicken broth (1 liter)
- 4 cups water (1 liter)
- 1 (16 oz) bag dried split peas, picked over and rinsed (450 g)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 tsp dried thyme (2 g)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 lb meaty ham bone or ham shanks (680 g)
- 1 cup chopped carrots (130 g)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Split Pea Soup Recipe
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Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing them for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the unsalted chicken broth and water. Add the split peas, bay leaves, and thyme. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Nestle the meaty ham bone into the soup mixture. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the peas and ham are tender, which should take about 60 to 80 minutes.
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Carefully remove the ham from the soup after cooking. Let it rest for about 10 minutes, then shred or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces.
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Add the chopped carrots to the soup. Cover the pot and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the peas are mostly broken down, which will take another 30 minutes.
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Stir the shredded or diced ham back into the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if you like.
For a Crockpot version: Use less water, add all ingredients, and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. For an Instant Pot: Use the sauté mode for onions and garlic, then add the other ingredients, cover, and set to manual for 15 minutes.
How to Serve Split Pea Soup
When it comes to serving Split Pea Soup, presentation can make it even more inviting! Ladle the warm soup into bowls and consider garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
This comforting soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side for a complete meal. For an extra touch, you might even serve it with a side of cheese toast for dipping – it’s absolutely delightful!
Expert Tips for Split Pea Soup
- Storage and Reheating: Split Pea Soup keeps well in the fridge for about 5 days. It also freezes nicely, so consider making a double batch and storing some for busy days ahead.
- Make it Vegetarian: You can easily turn this recipe into a vegetarian delight by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your soup for an exciting flavor twist.
Split Pea Soup FAQs
Can I use other types of peas in this recipe?
Yes, while dried split peas are traditional, you can experiment with green peas or even lentils. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary.
How can I make my soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can puree a portion of the soup using an immersion blender, or simply let it simmer longer to help it break down further.
What can I serve with Split Pea Soup?
This soup is perfect with some crusty bread, a side salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a comfy, nostalgic meal.
Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful Split Pea Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day. Give it a try and share your thoughts!
Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
Base ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil For sautéing
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion Chopped
- 1 1/4 cups chopped celery Chopped
- 1 tsp minced garlic Minced
- 4 cups unsalted chicken broth Low sodium preferred
- 4 cups water Used to dilute broth
- 16 oz dried split peas Picked over and rinsed
- 2 units bay leaves For flavor
- 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme Or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper Adjust based on preference
Meat ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb meaty ham bone or ham shanks For added flavor
Vegetable ingredients
- 1 cup chopped carrots Chopped
- to taste Chopped fresh parsley For garnish, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing them for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Pour in the unsalted chicken broth and water.
- Add the split peas, bay leaves, and thyme. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Nestle the meaty ham bone into the soup mixture.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the peas and ham are tender, which should take about 60 to 80 minutes.
- Carefully remove the ham from the soup after cooking. Let it rest for about 10 minutes, then shred or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chopped carrots to the soup.
- Cover the pot and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the peas are mostly broken down, which will take another 30 minutes.
- Stir the shredded or diced ham back into the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the soup warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if you like.
