Traditional Split Pea Soup
A comforting and hearty dish, this traditional split pea soup is rich in flavors and nutrients, perfect for everyday meals and special gatherings.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 300kcal
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.
Notes
Use fresh green split peas for the best flavor. Rinse them well before adding to the soup. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken bone and use vegetable broth instead. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors deepen over time!