Split Pea Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This classic recipe is packed with nutritious vegetables and can be made with or without ham for a delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried split peas, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced ham (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Herbs:
- Add the minced garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Peas and Broth:
- Add the rinsed split peas and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Simmer:
- Simmer for about 60 minutes, or until the peas are soft and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Optional Ham:
- If using, add the diced ham in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
6. Season:
- Remove the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Helpful Tips:
- Rinsing Peas: Make sure to rinse the split peas thoroughly to remove any debris or dust.
- Broth Choice: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup to your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with crusty bread or rolls for a complete meal.
- Pair with a side salad for added freshness and nutrients.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
FAQs:
- Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, split pea soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. - Can I use smoked ham hock instead of diced ham?
Absolutely, smoked ham hock adds a rich, smoky flavor. Add it at the beginning and remove it before serving. - How can I make this soup creamier?
Blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or transfer a portion to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot and stir well.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approx. 250 kcal per serving
Enjoy this nourishing Split Pea Soup as a cozy meal on a cold day!
Recipe Card
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Split Pea Soup
Split Pea Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This classic recipe is packed with nutritious vegetables and can be made with or without ham for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- – 1 lb dried split peas rinsed
- – 2 tablespoons olive oil
- – 1 large onion chopped
- – 3 carrots diced
- – 3 celery stalks diced
- – 3 garlic cloves minced
- – 2 bay leaves
- – 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- – 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- – 1 cup diced ham optional
- – Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté Vegetables:
- – Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- – Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Herbs:
- – Add the minced garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Peas and Broth:
- – Add the rinsed split peas and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Simmer:
- – Simmer for about 60 minutes, or until the peas are soft and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Optional Ham:
- – If using, add the diced ham in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
6. Season:
- – Remove the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve:
- – Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.