Save to Pinterest Warm up your winter days with this creamy, comforting traditional split pea soup. This dish is packed with hearty vegetables and deep, smoky flavors that make it a perfect cold-weather staple for any home cook.
Save to Pinterest Yielding six servings, this recipe is excellent for meal prepping or family dinners. The combination of slow-simmered legumes and aromatic vegetables creates a rich texture that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
- Legumes: 2 cups dried split green peas, rinsed
- Vegetables: 1 large onion (diced), 2 carrots (peeled and diced), 2 celery stalks (diced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 medium potato (peeled and diced)
- Aromatics & Liquids: 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 1 cup diced smoked ham or 1 ham bone
- Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, salt to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add Garlic
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add split peas, diced potato, bay leaf, thyme, and broth. If using, add ham or ham bone.
- Step 4: Simmer
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until peas are soft and soup is thickened.
- Step 5: Prepare for Serving
- Remove the ham bone (if used) and bay leaf. If using ham, stir diced ham back in.
- Step 6: Optional Puree
- For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, or blend half in a blender and return to the pot.
- Step 7: Season
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best results, use a large soup pot and a wooden spoon for consistent stirring. Preparation requires a sharp knife and cutting board for the vegetables. An immersion blender is optional but recommended if you prefer a silky, creamier texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, omit the ham and use smoked paprika to replicate the smoky flavor profile. Ensure you use vegetable broth and check labels on store-bought broth to confirm they are gluten-free and free from other allergens like celery if needed.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this soup hot with a side of crusty artisan bread for dipping. To elevate the meal, consider a wine pairing such as a Dry Riesling or a Pinot Noir, which beautifully complements the hearty and savory notes of the split peas.
Save to Pinterest Each serving of this soup contains approximately 230 calories, 3g of total fat, and 39g of carbohydrates. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it is an efficient way to bring a classic, nutritious meal to your table.
Recipe FAQs
- → Do I need to soak split peas before cooking?
No soaking required. Unlike dried beans, split peas cook relatively quickly and break down naturally during simmering, creating the soup's characteristic creamy texture.
- → Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely. Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika to maintain the smoky flavor element that ham traditionally provides.
- → Why does my soup need more liquid the next day?
Split peas continue absorbing liquid as the soup sits. This natural thickening is normal and actually improves flavor development. Simply add water or broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
- → What's the best way to achieve the creamiest texture?
The long simmer time naturally breaks down peas for thickness. For extra creaminess, use an immersion blender to puree half the soup, leaving some chunks for texture contrast. Avoid fully blending if you prefer heartier consistency.
- → How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this soup keeps for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and improve over time, making it an excellent meal prep option for the week.
- → Can I freeze split pea soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Leave slightly more room in containers as liquids expand when frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.