As a child, I have the fondest memories of walking into my grandma’s cozy kitchen on a chilly winter day and being greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of her famous Split Pea Soup simmering on the stove. The rich, velvety broth, the tender chunks of vegetables, and the hearty split peas – it was like a warm hug in a bowl. Grandma would always have a ladle ready, eagerly spooning the steaming soup into our bowls, her face beaming with pride. That comforting flavor has stuck with me all these years, and to this day, it’s the only Split Pea Soup recipe I’ll ever need.
Why This Split Pea Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Split Pea Soup
While many Split Pea Soup recipes can end up tasting flat or one-dimensional, this version is anything but. The secret lies in the careful selection and perfect balance of ingredients, as well as a few expert techniques that take this humble soup to the next level. By sautéing the aromatic vegetables first, we unlock their full flavor potential, creating a rich, complex base for the broth. And the addition of smoked paprika? Pure genius – it lends a subtle, earthy depth that takes this Split Pea Soup to new heights.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound green split peas, rinsed – These little legumes are the star of the show, providing a hearty texture and nutty flavor that’s simply unmatched.
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth – The broth serves as the foundation, ensuring the soup is flavorful, yet light and not overly heavy.
- 1 large onion, diced – Onions add sweetness and depth, complementing the other vegetables perfectly.
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced – Carrots lend a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- 3 celery stalks, diced – Celery brings a pleasant crunch and subtle bitterness that balances the other flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is a must-have, infusing the soup with its signature pungent aroma and flavor.
- 1 bay leaf – This aromatic herb lends a warm, slightly menthol-like note that ties the whole dish together.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Earthy, slightly minty thyme complements the other herbs and spices beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – As mentioned earlier, smoked paprika is the secret weapon, adding a delightful depth of flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – These simple seasonings allow all the other flavors to shine.
Step-by-Step Split Pea Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Split Pea Soup
With a total time of just 50 minutes (15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking), this Split Pea Soup recipe is a true weeknight wonder. All you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a sharp knife, and a bit of elbow grease. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by rinsing the split peas under cool running water to remove any debris or dirt. Set them aside.
2- In your pot, sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until they start to soften and develop a nice caramelized color, about 5-7 minutes.
3- Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute or two, until the aroma becomes fragrant.
4- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the rinsed split peas, bay leaf, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
5- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are very tender and the broth has thickened.
6- Remove the bay leaf, then use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a standard blender) to purée a portion of the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of smoked paprika if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
1- Rinsing the split peas is an important step to remove any debris or dirt, ensuring a clean, flavorful broth.
2- Sautéing the vegetables first caramelizes their natural sugars, unlocking a depth of flavor that you can’t get from just throwing everything in the pot at once.
3- Covering the pot while the soup simmers allows the flavors to meld and the peas to become delightfully tender.
4- Blending a portion of the soup creates a luxuriously creamy texture, while leaving some chunks maintains heartiness.
Serving and Storing Your Split Pea Soup
Perfect Pairings for Split Pea Soup
This Split Pea Soup recipe serves 6 generous portions, making it a wonderful choice for a cozy family meal or a casual gathering with friends. For the ultimate comfort food experience, I love serving it alongside crusty bread or buttery crackers for dipping. A crisp green salad or a simple side of roasted vegetables also makes a great accompaniment. And don’t forget the beverages – a glass of dry white wine or a mug of hot apple cider are both fantastic options to round out the meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Split Pea Soup recipe is that it reheats beautifully and can be made in advance. Once the soup has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, the soup freezes exceptionally well – just transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and it will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot and steaming.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Split Pea Soup
Creative Split Pea Soup Variations
While this classic Split Pea Soup recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a heartier meal, you could add diced ham, crumbled bacon, or smoked sausage. Swap out the thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different aromatic profile. And in the warmer months, try blending in some fresh basil or parsley for a bright, summery twist. You can also experiment with different types of peas, such as yellow split peas or a combination of green and yellow.
Making Split Pea Soup Diet-Friendly
This Split Pea Soup recipe is naturally gluten-free, and with a few simple modifications, it can easily be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs. For a vegan or vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken. To make it low-carb or keto-friendly, you can reduce the amount of split peas and increase the proportion of non-starchy vegetables, like spinach or zucchini. And for a dairy-free option, skip the optional garnish of sour cream or yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead. Just keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent, so you may want to start with a slightly smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Q: How long does it take to make this Split Pea Soup recipe?
A: This recipe has a total time of 50 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cook time. The relatively quick prep and hands-off simmering make this an ideal weeknight meal.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Split Pea Soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Once it has cooled completely, transfer the leftover soup to an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How much does this Split Pea Soup recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings of Split Pea Soup. It’s a hearty and satisfying soup, so the portions are quite generous. Feel free to scale the recipe up or down depending on your needs.
Q: Why is my Split Pea Soup too thick or too thin?
A: If your soup turns out too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more broth or water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if the soup is too thin, you can let it simmer a bit longer to allow the split peas to break down and thicken the broth. Adjusting the cooking time is the key to achieving the perfect texture.
Split Pea Soup
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savor the rich, velvety texture of this classic homemade Split Pea Soup. Packed with tender veggies and a hint of smoky flavor, it’s the ultimate cozy meal for chilly days.
Ingredients
– 1 pound green split peas, rinsed
– 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 carrots, peeled and diced
– 3 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large pot, combine the rinsed split peas and broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Continue simmering for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the peas have softened.
4. Stir in the bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the split pea soup hot, garnished with crusty bread, croutons, or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup. You can also add diced ham or smoked sausage for extra flavor. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Split Pea Soup recipe is a true comfort food classic that’s sure to become a staple in your household. With its rich, velvety broth, tender chunks of vegetables, and hearty split peas, it’s a soup that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. By following a few simple tricks, like sautéing the aromatics and blending a portion of the soup, you’ll end up with a dish that’s truly out of this world. So gather your loved ones around the table, ladle up a steaming bowl, and get ready to be transported back to Grandma’s cozy kitchen. Don’t forget to let me know how you and your family enjoyed this Split Pea Soup recipe in the comments below!
