Hey, Today, I�m thrilled to share with you my favorite recipe for hearty split pea soup through Beyond the Bayou Blog. You know, there’s something magical about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day�it�s like a cozy hug from the inside out. Growing up, my grandma used to make split pea soup for us whenever we visited her during the winter months. The aroma of onions sauteing in the pot and the sound of broth bubbling away always made me feel right at home.
I remember one snowy day when I was feeling under the weather, my grandma whipped up a big batch of her famous split pea soup along with Albondiga Soup and Taco Soup. As soon as I took that first spoonful, I instantly felt better. It�s amazing how food can do that, isn�t it? Ever since then, split pea soup has held a special place in my heart�and my stomach!
Now, whenever I make this soup, I can�t help but think of those cozy days spent with my grandma. And I�m excited to share her recipe with you all today. So grab your aprons and let�s get cooking! But before we dive in, don�t forget to check out my other favorite comfort food recipes like my creamy potato soup or savory beef stew. Trust me, they�re all equally delicious and sure to warm you up on even the coldest of days. Let�s get cooking!
What is Split Pea Soup?
Split pea soup is a thick and hearty soup made from split peas, which are dried peas that have been split in half. It’s typically cooked with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, along with seasonings like thyme and bay leaves. Sometimes, it includes meat such as ham or bacon for added flavor. When cooked, the split peas break down and create a creamy texture, while the vegetables add chunks and flavor. Split pea soup is known for its rich taste and nutritious qualities, offering protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. It’s a comforting dish enjoyed especially during colder months and often served with bread or crackers.
Overview: How to Make Split Pea Soup?
Making split pea soup is simple and satisfying. Start by rinsing a cup of split peas under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Then, in a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot, stirring occasionally until they soften, about 5 minutes. Next, add a couple of cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Now, pour in 4 cups of broth or water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed split peas to the pot along with a bay leaf and a pinch of thyme. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
Optional: For extra flavor, you can add diced ham or bacon to the soup while it simmers.
Once the split peas are cooked, remove the bay leaf, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also blend the soup with an immersion blender for a smoother texture if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for a comforting meal.
Hearty Split Pea Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Stirring utensil (wooden spoon or spatula)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Immersion blender or regular blender (optional)
- Soup ladle
- Storage Containers
- Stovetop or microwave
Ingredients
- 1 cup Split peas
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 2 medium Carrots chopped
- 2 stalks Celery chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 4 cups Vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Thyme dried
- 1 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper adjust to taste
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup of split peas under cold water to remove any debris and set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add 1 chopped medium onion, 2 chopped medium carrots, and 2 chopped stalks of celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add 2 minced cloves of garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the rinsed split peas to the pot along with 1 bay leaf and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Optional: If using, add 1/2 to 1 cup of diced ham or bacon to the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking for added flavor.
- Once the split peas are cooked, remove the bay leaf and season the soup with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream, and enjoy your homemade split pea soup.
Notes
Note that soup will thicken as it rests and cools slightly. If needed it can be thinned with more water.
Nutrition
Time for the Tips!
- Add aromatics: Along with onions, carrots, and celery, consider adding other aromatics like leeks or shallots for extra depth of flavor.
- Season generously: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Adding herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and even a dash of smoked paprika can elevate the taste of the soup.
- Experiment with toppings: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, chopped fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream on top of the soup for added texture and flavor.
- Blend for creaminess: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender until smooth, then mix it back into the pot.
- Allow flavors to meld: Letting the soup sit for a while before serving can allow the flavors to meld together and develop even more richness.
What to Serve with Split Pea Recipe?
what to do with Leftover?
- Freeze for later: Split pea soup freezes well, so portion out any leftovers into airtight containers or freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Make a hearty stew: Use leftover split pea soup as a base for a hearty stew by adding additional vegetables, cooked grains like barley or quinoa, and cooked meat like diced chicken or sausage. Simmer until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Blend into a dip: Blend leftover split pea soup until smooth to create a creamy dip. Season with additional herbs and spices as needed and serve with sliced vegetables, crackers, or toasted bread for dipping.
- Thicken sauces or soups: Use leftover split pea soup as a thickening agent for other soups or sauces. Add a scoop or two to vegetable or meat-based soups, stews, or casseroles to enhance their flavor and texture.
- Top baked potatoes or sweet potatoes: Spoon leftover split pea soup over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a hearty and flavorful topping. Garnish with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon for added indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is split pea soup healthy?
A: Yes, split pea soup is generally considered healthy. It’s high in fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. However, the overall healthiness can depend on the specific recipe and ingredients used. Be mindful of added fats, sodium, and processed meats if you’re trying to keep it nutritious.
Q: Can I make split pea soup vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes,Split pea soup can easily be made vegetarian or vegan by omitting meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. You can also add extra vegetables or legumes for additional flavor and nutrition.
Q: Why does split pea soup thicken as it cools?
A: Split pea soup thickens as it cools due to the starch content in the split peas. This is normal and expected. If the soup becomes too thick for your liking upon reheating, you can thin it out with a bit of water or broth.