Split Pea Soup: A Wholesome and Hearty One-Pot Wonder
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Why Make This Recipe
Dive into a bowl full of goodness with this Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe. It’s not just hearty and delicious but also packed with nutrients making it a perfect dish that warms your soul and nourishes your body. Best of all, you can make it quickly using common pantry staples.
How to Make Split Pea Soup
Ingredients :
– 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 ham bone or 1 1/2 cups diced ham
– 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions :
1. In a large pot, mix split peas, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, ham bone (or diced ham), broth, and thyme.
2. Boil the mixture over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Cover and cook for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or until peas are soft and soup has thickened. Stir occasionally.
4. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach desired consistency.
5. Remove ham bone, if used, and cut off any left-over meat. Return meat to the soup.
6. Season with salt and pepper as per taste.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
How to Serve Split Pea Soup
Serve this hearty split pea soup hot with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. The bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth and will leave you satisfied and full.
How to Store Split Pea Soup
Store leftover split pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let the soup cool completely before you store it.
Tips to Make Split Pea Soup
For more flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic in a little olive oil before adding the rest of the ingredients. Also, feel free to add in more vegetables of your choice like bell peppers or zucchini.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham bone or ham cubes and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add in other herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for a different flavor profile.
FAQs about Split Pea Soup
1. What can I substitute for ham in Split Pea Soup?
Ans: For a vegetarian option, you could substitute ham with smoked tofu for a similar smoky flavor.
2. What type of bread pairs well with Split Pea Soup?
Ans: A crusty sourdough bread or a tender dinner roll pairs excellently with split pea soup.
3. Can split peas go bad?
Ans: Yes, over time split peas can lose their flavor and take longer to cook. Therefore, it is best to use them within a year of purchase.
With this recipe, you now have the blueprint to create a pots’ full of comforting, flavorful Split Pea Soup that will surely earn you brownie points with family and friends! Get cooking!