Recipes

Classic Split Pea Soup

A hearty and comforting soup made from split peas, ham, and a medley of vegetables. This classic split pea soup is perfect for warming you up on a chilly day, balancing rich, smoky flavors with the wholesome goodness of legumes.
soupsone pot mealsstewswinterfallamericangluten freemeatlegumescomfort food
15m 90m 2 0

Ingredients

  • dried split peas (1 cups) - rinsed and drained
  • olive oil (1 tablespoons)
  • medium, diced onion (1 )
  • sliced carrots (1 cups)
  • sliced celery stalks (2 )
  • chicken broth (4 cups) - or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • water (2 cups)
  • bay leaf (1 )
  • finely chopped fresh thyme (1 teaspoons) - or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • salt (0 ) - to taste
  • chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon) - for garnish
  • bacon (4 slices) - or ham hock
  • minced garlic (2 cloves)
  • black pepper (0.5 teaspoon)

Instructions

Prepare the bacon

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the bacon fat in the pot.

Cook the vegetables

  • Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot with the bacon fat.
  • Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine main ingredients

  • Return the bacon to the pot, break into pieces if desired.
  • Add the rinsed split peas, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, black pepper, and thyme.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally.

Finish seasoning and serve

  • Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
  • Taste for seasoning and add salt if necessary.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips

  • For added depth of flavor, you can add a smoked ham hock or even a leftover ham bone to the soup while it simmers.
  • If you desire a smoother texture, you can blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender.
  • Consider adding diced potatoes for a heartier soup.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Storing tip: This soup will thicken as it cools; you can thin it with water or broth when reheating.