Traditional Split Pea Soup
Savory Traditional Split Pea Soup: A Comforting Dish for Any Occasion
There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of traditional split pea soup. This classic dish, rich in flavors and nutrients, has warmed hearts and homes for generations. With its velvety texture and deliciously savory taste, split pea soup is not only hearty but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a wonderful choice for both everyday meals and special gatherings. Plus, the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while it simmers is simply irresistible!
What You’ll Need for Traditional Split Pea Soup
To create this heartwarming soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 30 ml olive oil
- 300 g finely diced onion
- 150 g finely diced carrot
- 150 g finely diced celery
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 g minced garlic
- 15 g Italian seasoning
- 5 g ground cumin
- 2 g dried thyme
- 0.5 g red pepper flakes
- 225 g green split peas, rinsed
- 2 small bay leaves or 1 large
- 1 meaty chicken bone or chicken shanks
- 2 liters reduced-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Hearty buttered bread for serving
How to Make Traditional Split Pea Soup
Follow these straightforward steps to whip up a delicious pot of traditional split pea soup:
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ground cumin, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for an additional minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed split peas, bay leaves, and chicken bone. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 60 to 90 minutes. Stir occasionally until the peas are tender and the soup thickens.
- Prepare the Ham: After the peas have cooked, remove the chicken bone, shred any meat off it, and return the meat to the soup.
- Blend for Texture: For a creamy consistency, blend 2 cups of the soup until smooth and mix it back into the pot.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your soup warm, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
How to Serve Traditional Split Pea Soup
When it comes to serving traditional split pea soup, there are a few simple ideas that elevate your meal:
- Ladle the soup into deep bowls for a cozy presentation.
- Offer a beautiful loaf of hearty buttered bread or crusty rolls on the side for dipping.
- For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top as a garnish.
- Pair it with salad for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Expert Tips for Traditional Split Pea Soup
To ensure your split pea soup turns out wonderfully every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Pea Quality: Use fresh green split peas for the best flavor. Rinse them well before adding to the soup to remove any dirt.
- Meat Alternatives: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can leave out the chicken bone and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, enhancing it with smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors continue to deepen over time!
Traditional Split Pea Soup FAQs
Can I make traditional split pea soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker, set it on low, and let it cook for 6-8 hours.
How long does traditional split pea soup last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, traditional split pea soup can last up to 7 days in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before reheating!
Can I freeze traditional split pea soup?
Absolutely! Freeze the soup in portioned containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Warm up your kitchen with a pot of traditional split pea soup. Its wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors are sure to become a favorite for you and your loved ones. Grab your ingredients and get cooking—it’s time to enjoy this classic dish!
Traditional Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 30 ml olive oil For sautéing
- 300 g finely diced onion
- 150 g finely diced carrot
- 150 g finely diced celery
- 15 g minced garlic
- 15 g Italian seasoning
- 5 g ground cumin
- 2 g dried thyme
- 0.5 g red pepper flakes
- 2 small bay leaves or 1 large bay leaf
- 1 piece meaty chicken bone or chicken shanks
- 2 liters reduced-sodium chicken broth
For Serving
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves Fresh thyme leaves (optional) For garnish
- to serve hearty buttered bread For serving
For the Peas
- 225 g green split peas Rinsed
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Flavor Development
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ground cumin, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for an additional minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
Combine Ingredients
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, bay leaves, and chicken bone.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 60 to 90 minutes. Stir occasionally until the peas are tender and the soup thickens.
Final Preparation
- After the peas have cooked, remove the chicken bone, shred any meat off it, and return the meat to the soup.
- For a creamy consistency, blend 2 cups of the soup until smooth and mix it back into the pot.
Serving
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your soup warm, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
