Split Pea Soup Recipe

This Split Pea Soup Recipe is a delightful and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s an excellent choice for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. This soup combines tender split peas with fresh vegetables and chicken, creating a nourishing meal that’s both comforting and fulfilling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe involves simple steps that make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavorful: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients results in a soup bursting with flavor.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from the split peas and chicken, this soup is a healthy option for your dinner table.
• Versatile: Perfect as a standalone meal or paired with hearty bread, making it great for any occasion.
• Make Ahead: This soup can be prepared in advance and tastes even better the next day.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Split Pea Soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large heavy-bottomed pot: Provides even heat distribution, preventing the soup from scorching while it simmers.
• Blender: Allows you to blend part of the soup for a creamy texture without losing any of the flavor.

Ingredients

This Split Pea Soup Recipe is thick, creamy, and packed with veggies, split peas, and tender chicken—humble-looking but bursting with flavor!

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cups finely diced onion (2 medium onions)
– 1 cup finely diced carrot (2 to 3 large carrots)
– 1 cup finely diced celery (3 to 4 stalks)
– Salt and pepper
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic (4 cloves)
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1-1/2 cups green split peas (rinsed; old split peas may not soften)
– 2 small bay leaves (or 1 large)
– 1 meaty chicken ham bone (or chicken ham hocks; plus more chicken if desired)
– 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
– Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
– Hearty buttered bread (for serving)

How to Make Split Pea Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large (5.5 quart or larger) heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil. Add onion, carrot, celery, and salt/pepper to taste (I add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper). Cook until veggies are softened and onion is beginning to turn golden, about 5–8 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin, thyme, red pepper flakes, and cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add rinsed split peas and mix through.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup

Add chicken ham bone, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 60–90 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent the peas from catching on the bottom of the pot. Cook until peas are tender and the soup reaches your desired thickness. If it becomes too thick during cooking, add a splash more broth as needed.

Step 3: Blend for Creaminess

Once ready to serve, remove the chicken ham bone. Shred off as much meat as you can; discard bones and fat. Return shredded chicken to the soup. Remove bay leaves. Blend about two cups of the soup until completely smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Mix back into the pot for added creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle soup into bowls and serve with hearty buttered bread alongside a sprinkle of pepper and fresh thyme if desired. Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness!

How to Serve Split Pea Soup Recipe

Serving split pea soup is a delightful experience, as it offers warmth and comfort. This creamy soup pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and make for a satisfying meal.

With Hearty Buttered Bread

• This classic combination adds a crunchy texture and rich flavor to your soup. Toast thick slices of your favorite bread, spread with butter, and enjoy the contrast with the creamy soup.

Garnished with Fresh Thyme

• Adding fresh thyme leaves on top not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the soup beautifully.

As a Base for Other Ingredients

• Consider adding shredded chicken or turkey to elevate your soup’s protein content. This turns it into a more filling meal while providing additional flavors.

With a Side Salad

• A light, crisp salad can be a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty split pea soup. Opt for greens like arugula or spinach dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon juice.

Accompanied by Crackers or Chips

• Crunchy crackers or tortilla chips make excellent dippers for your soup. Choose whole-grain options for added health benefits.

How to Perfect Split Pea Soup Recipe

Perfecting your split pea soup can elevate it from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure your recipe shines every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables contribute vibrant flavors. Avoid using wilted or old produce, especially the split peas; they should be bright green and free from blemishes.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of it until smooth. If it’s too thick, add additional broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Start with minimal salt and pepper, then adjust at the end when you have a better sense of the overall flavor.
• Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to rest after cooking can deepen its flavors. Let it cool down slightly and then refrigerate it for an hour before reheating.
• Experiment with Herbs: Try different herbs such as rosemary or dill for unique flavor profiles that can change the character of your split pea soup.

Best Side Dishes for Split Pea Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with split pea soup can create a balanced meal full of textures and flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Crusty Whole Wheat Bread: A chewy loaf provides excellent contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.
2. Simple Green Salad: A mix of greens tossed in a light vinaigrette offers freshness that complements the richness of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add sweetness and depth, making them an ideal side for this hearty dish.
4. Cheesy Garlic Bread: The gooey cheese and garlic flavor make this indulgent side irresistible next to split pea soup.
5. Pickled Vegetables: The tanginess of pickles helps cut through the richness of the soup, adding an extra layer of flavor.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with grains or legumes, making them nutritious partners for your bowl of comforting split pea goodness.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide crunch and satisfaction alongside warm bowls of soup.
8. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Lightly fried or fresh spring rolls filled with veggies offer a refreshing bite that pairs well with the creamy texture of the split pea soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making split pea soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that might affect your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not rinsing the peas: Failing to rinse split peas can lead to grit in your soup. Always rinse them under cold water before adding them to the pot.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking your vegetables too long at the start can make them mushy. Sauté them until softened but not browned for better texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can leave your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, and herbs for maximum flavor.
• Using old split peas: Old peas may not soften properly and can ruin your soup. Check the expiration date and choose fresh ones for best results.
• Skipping the blending step: Not blending part of the soup can result in a less creamy texture. Blend a portion of the soup to achieve that desired creaminess without cream.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover split pea soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Split Pea Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 5-10 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about this Split Pea Soup Recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Split Pea Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat. This will create a delicious vegetarian version.

How long does it take to cook Split Pea Soup Recipe?

Cooking time typically ranges from 60 to 90 minutes depending on how soft you want the peas.

What can I serve with Split Pea Soup Recipe?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I use green split peas instead of yellow?

Absolutely! Both types of split peas work well in this recipe; they just offer slightly different flavors and colors.

How do I know when my split peas are cooked?

Split peas should be soft and mushy when fully cooked. They should break down easily when stirred.

Final Thoughts

This Split Pea Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding more veggies or spices according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping!