Let me tell you about my classic split pea soup recipe—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day! Every time I make it, my kitchen fills with the most comforting aroma that just draws everyone in. There’s something so satisfying about the creamy texture of the peas combined with the deliciously fragrant vegetables. It’s not just soup; it’s a bowl of nostalgia for me, reminding me of cozy evenings spent with loved ones. You know those days when you want something hearty and nutritious? This soup checks all the boxes! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep a pot on the stove all winter long!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup dried split peas
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe
Alright, let’s get cooking with my classic split pea soup recipe! You’ll see how simple and satisfying it is to bring this hearty dish to life. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into each step together!
Step 1: Rinse the Split Peas
First things first, you’ll want to rinse those dried split peas under cold water. This step is super important because it washes away any dust or impurities from the packaging. Just give them a good swish around in a strainer until the water runs clear. Trust me, it makes a difference in the taste!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, let’s get those veggies cooking! In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat and toss in your chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these beauties for about 5–7 minutes, or until they’re tender and fragrant. You’ll love the way your kitchen starts to smell—it’s like a little preview of the deliciousness to come!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the rinsed split peas right into the pot, followed by the vegetable broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir it all up to ensure that the split peas are nicely mixed with the veggies and broth. This is where the magic starts!
Step 4: Cooking the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil—don’t rush this part! Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour. This low-and-slow approach allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want those peas to break down and create that lovely, thick texture!
Step 5: Blend the Soup
After an hour, it’s time for the fun part! Remove the bay leaf (you don’t want to accidentally serve that up!). Now, you can either use an immersion blender right in the pot for a creamy consistency or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until it’s as smooth or chunky as you like—whatever your heart desires!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season your soup with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and voilà! Ladle that beautiful split pea soup into bowls, and you’re ready to dig in. It’s amazing on its own, but feel free to add a dollop of sour cream or some crusty bread on the side for an extra treat!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my classic split pea soup. Keep in mind that these figures can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 13g
This soup is not only hearty and filling but also packed with nutrients. Each bowl gives you a boost of fiber and protein, making it a fantastic option for a wholesome meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying—this soup is the perfect comfort food for any chilly day.
- Nutritious and packed with fiber and protein, making it a healthy meal choice.
- Simple and easy to prepare, with minimal ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Versatile—customize it with your favorite spices or add-ins, like ham or vegetables.
- Great for meal prep; it freezes well and stores easily for leftovers.
- Budget-friendly, allowing you to create a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
- Rich in flavor, thanks to the combination of split peas and aromatic vegetables.
Tips for Success
To make sure your classic split pea soup turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few handy tips that will help you avoid common pitfalls and enhance the flavors!
- Don’t skip rinsing: Always rinse your split peas before cooking. This helps remove any debris and ensures a cleaner taste. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute!
- Soaking is optional: If you’re short on time, soaking the peas overnight isn’t mandatory, but it can cut down the cooking time significantly. If you do soak them, remember to adjust the liquid accordingly.
- Vegetable broth matters: Use a good quality vegetable broth for a richer flavor. Homemade broth can elevate your soup to the next level, but store-bought works just fine too!
- Low and slow: Keep the heat low while simmering. This allows the peas to break down and thicken the soup without burning. Patience is key here!
- Texture preference: If you love a chunkier soup, blend just half of it and leave the rest as is. You’ll get that delightful mix of creamy and hearty!
- Season gradually: Start with a little salt and pepper, then taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in!
- Customize it: Feel free to throw in leftover ham, bacon, or even extra veggies like spinach or kale for a twist! This soup is super forgiving and loves a little creativity.
- Store wisely: To keep your leftovers fresh, let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making the best classic split pea soup ever. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made a big pot of my classic split pea soup, you’ll probably have some leftovers to savor later—lucky you! Properly storing your soup is key to keeping it delicious for days to come. Let’s talk about how to do that!
First, let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your soup watery. I usually use glass containers because they don’t hold onto odors and are super easy to reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
You can store your split pea soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly! If you think you’ll have leftovers for longer, consider freezing some. It freezes beautifully—just pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and pop it in the freezer. It should be good for up to 2 months!
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, there are a couple of easy reheating methods. If it’s in the fridge, you can just heat it in a pot over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until it’s nice and warm. If you’re pulling it from the freezer, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for the best results, or you can reheat it straight from frozen. Just be prepared to give it a little extra time on the stove or in the microwave.
Oh, and don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning after reheating! Sometimes the flavors mellow a bit, and a little fresh salt and pepper can work wonders. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
FAQ Section
Can I make this classic split pea soup recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just follow the same steps to sauté your vegetables, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. The flavors will meld beautifully!
What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No worries! You can use water in a pinch, but I highly recommend adding some herbs like bay leaves, thyme, or even a splash of soy sauce to enhance the flavor. Just be sure to season well!
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to let some of the liquid evaporate. Alternatively, blending more of the soup will also create that creamy texture you’re looking for!
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Definitely! If you want to add some protein, diced ham or cooked bacon can be a delicious addition. Just toss it in when you combine the ingredients, and let it simmer together.
Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy. Perfect for meal prep!
How do I store leftovers?
Let your soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for about 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
Can I use frozen split peas?
While you can use frozen split peas, I recommend using dried peas for the best texture and flavor. If you have to use frozen ones, you might need to adjust the cooking time, so keep an eye on it!
Why is my soup not as green as I expected?
If your soup turns out a bit dull in color, it might be due to overcooking the peas. They can lose their vibrant green shade the longer they cook. Just make sure to follow the cooking times closely!
Learn more about split pea soup and its comforting benefits.
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Classic Split Pea Soup Recipe for Cozy Comforting Days
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and nutritious classic split pea soup recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried split peas
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the split peas under cold water.
- In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until tender.
- Add the split peas, broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
- Remove the bay leaf, and blend the soup to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Soaking the peas overnight can reduce cooking time.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup freezes well for future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: classic split pea soup recipe
