Growing up, split pea soup was a cold-weather staple in our household. I can still vividly remember the comforting aroma of simmering peas, smoky ham, and aromatic veggies wafting through the kitchen on a chilly autumn afternoon. My mom would stir the pot, adding a bit of cream to finish it off, and we’d all gather around the table, bowls in hand, ready to savor every spoonful. To this day, a steaming bowl of split pea soup never fails to transport me back to those cozy family dinners, where the simple pleasure of a nourishing meal brought us together.
Why This Split Pea Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Split Pea Soup
This split pea soup recipe is truly a game-changer. What sets it apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures – the split peas become velvety smooth, while the ham lends a delightful smoky-salty note, and the aromatic vegetables add depth and complexity. But the real secret? It’s all in the technique. By simmering the peas low and slow, you’ll unlock their natural creaminess, and the addition of a touch of cream at the end gives the soup an indulgent, luxurious finish. Trust me, once you try this version, it’ll become your go-to split pea soup recipe for life.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Split peas: The foundation of this soup, split peas are packed with protein, fiber, and a wealth of essential nutrients.
Smoked ham hock: This is the key to the soup’s signature smoky-savory flavor. You can also use a ham bone or diced ham.
Onion, carrots, and celery: The classic “holy trinity” of aromatic vegetables that add depth and complexity to the broth.
Garlic: For an extra punch of flavor.
Chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid base that brings everything together.
Heavy cream: A small amount of cream at the end adds a luxurious, velvety texture.
Salt and pepper: To season the soup to perfection.
Step-by-Step Split Pea Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Split Pea Soup
This split pea soup is a straightforward, one-pot wonder that’s easy to make. With just a bit of hands-on time and some patient simmering, you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal ready to enjoy. The total cooking time is around 1.5 hours, but the actual prep work is fairly minimal. All you need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a cutting board, and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Start by sorting through the split peas and giving them a quick rinse. This helps remove any debris or impurities.
2- In your pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until it becomes aromatic.
4- Pour in the broth and toss in the ham hock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, until the peas are very tender.
5- Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6- Ladle the split pea soup into bowls and enjoy it hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect split pea soup is patience and low, slow simmering. Resist the urge to crank up the heat – this will make the peas turn mushy and grainy. Also, be sure to skim off any foam or scum that rises to the surface during the cooking process, as this can make the soup look cloudy.
Another pro tip? Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld and the texture to thicken up just right. And if you find the soup is a bit too thick for your liking, simply stir in a splash of broth or water to thin it out.
Serving and Storing Your Split Pea Soup
Perfect Pairings for Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. For a hearty meal, serve it with crusty bread, like a warm baguette or some buttery garlic toast. A fresh green salad or a simple coleslaw also makes a great side. And don’t forget the cornbread – its sweetness is the perfect foil to the savory soup.
As for beverages, a crisp lager or a robust red wine complement the flavors of the split pea soup perfectly. Or, for a cozy, wintertime pairing, try a mug of hot apple cider or a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Fortunately, split pea soup is a great make-ahead meal. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had a chance to meld and deepen. Simply let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, you can reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it’s thickened up too much, just stir in a bit of broth or water to thin it out. And if you want to get a head start, you can even freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Split Pea Soup
Creative Split Pea Soup Variations
While this split pea soup recipe is a classic, there are so many delicious ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping the ham for smoked turkey or even crispy bacon. You can also experiment with different herbs, like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to change up the flavor profile.
For a seasonal twist, you could add diced butternut squash or sweet potatoes in the fall, or swap in fresh peas and asparagus in the spring. And if you’re in the mood for something a little spicy, try stirring in a bit of sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Making Split Pea Soup Diet-Friendly
This split pea soup recipe is already pretty healthy, thanks to the protein-packed split peas and the veggie-filled broth. But if you’re looking to make it even more diet-friendly, there are a few easy tweaks you can try.
For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free broth. To make it vegan or vegetarian, omit the ham and use a vegetable broth instead of chicken. And for a low-carb or keto-friendly soup, you can reduce the amount of peas and add in more low-carb veggies, like cauliflower or zucchini.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pea in this recipe?
A: While the classic split pea soup is made with, well, split peas, you can certainly experiment with other types of dried peas or legumes. Green lentils, dried chickpeas, or even whole green peas would all work well in this recipe, though you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How can I make this soup thicker or creamier?
A: For a thicker, creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the cooked peas and broth together using an immersion blender or regular blender. This will help create a smoother, more velvety texture. You can also stir in a bit more heavy cream or even a touch of cornstarch to help thicken things up.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Split pea soup is perfect for the slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it to low, and let it simmer for 6-8 hours until the peas are tender. This hands-off method is great for busy weekdays.
Q: How long does this split pea soup last, and how should I store it?
A: This soup keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Split Pea Soup
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, velvety texture and comforting flavor of this classic Split Pea Soup. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe delivers an authentic taste of home in just 5 minutes.
Ingredients
– 1 cup green split peas
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, combine the split peas and broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. – Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender.
3. – Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. Continue simmering for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. – Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
5. – Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. – Serve hot, garnished with croutons, a swirl of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, simmer for a few extra minutes.
– Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more broth for a thinner consistency.
– Try adding diced ham or smoked sausage for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about a steaming bowl of split pea soup, don’t you agree? This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, with its rich, velvety texture and perfectly balanced flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the same cozy, nostalgic feeling that I get every time I ladle it into a bowl.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to savor the best split pea soup you’ve ever tasted. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!