Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup

Warm Your Heart with Classic Split Pea Soup

Creating a comforting bowl of classic split pea soup brings warmth and nourishment to any meal. This hearty dish combines simple ingredients, making it both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly day or as part of a weekly meal prep, this recipe offers a great blend of healthy ingredients and flavors to savor.

Why Make This Recipe

Classic split pea soup is not only filling, but it also packs in nutrients. With green split peas as the main ingredient, you get a good dose of protein and fiber, both essential for a balanced diet. Additionally, this recipe allows you to use leftover vegetables, cutting down on waste and saving time in the kitchen. The soup also freezes well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

How to Make Classic Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:

• 16 oz Green Split Peas
• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 medium Yellow or Yukon Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 3 ribs Celery (diced)
• 2 Tbsp Neutral Oil (like Avocado oil)
• 2 small Carrots (diced)
• 2 tsp Fresh Thyme (chopped)
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 6 cups Vegetable Broth (or Vegan Chicken Broth)
• 2 cups Water (as needed to thin)
• 3 dashes Liquid Smoke (or more, to taste)
• 1 pinch Salt & Pepper (or more, to taste)

Step by Step:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 5-8 minutes, or until they are translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add the celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and split peas. Mix well and continue cooking for 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Pour in the broth, covering the pot, and let it cook on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the peas have started to break down.
4. Add the potatoes, carrots, and liquid smoke. Cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until everything is soft and the soup has thickened. If needed, add up to 2 cups of water to reach your preferred consistency.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaves and serve hot.

How to Serve Classic Split Pea Soup

Serve the split pea soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For an extra protein boost, consider alongside a high-protein meal like this high-protein chicken salad.

How to Store Classic Split Pea Soup

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little extra water or broth to maintain the desired consistency.

Tips to Make Classic Split Pea Soup

• For a smoky flavor, adjust the liquid smoke to your taste preference.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like kale or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture while leaving some whole peas for bites of heartiness.

Variations

You can add diced ham or bacon to the soup for a non-vegetarian twist. Alternatively, use vegetable broth infused with more herbs for an aromatic base.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried peas?
Yes, this recipe specifically uses green split peas, which are dried peas. Just remember to rinse them before cooking.

2. How do I know when the soup is done?
The soup is ready when the split peas have softened, and the texture has thickened. Everything should be easy to spoon.

3. Is this soup vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! By using vegetable broth and omitting any meat, this classic split pea soup is entirely vegan.

If you’re curious about food safety practices, check the USDA food safety temperature guidelines. Enjoy making this classic recipe and nourishing your body with every spoonful!

Classic Split Pea Soup

A comforting and hearty soup made with green split peas, perfect for chilly days or meal prep.

Servings 6 servings

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 16 oz Green Split Peas
• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 medium Yellow or Yukon Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 3 ribs Celery (diced)
• 2 Tbsp Neutral Oil (like Avocado oil)
• 2 small Carrots (diced)
• 2 tsp Fresh Thyme (chopped)
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 6 cups Vegetable Broth (or Vegan Chicken Broth)
• 2 cups Water (as needed to thin)
• 3 dashes Liquid Smoke (or more, to taste)
• 1 pinch Salt & Pepper (or more, to taste)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Heat the oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for 5-8 minutes, or until they are translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and split peas. Mix well and continue cooking for 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.

Cooking

• Pour in the broth, covering the pot, and let it cook on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the peas have started to break down.
• Add the potatoes, carrots, and liquid smoke. Cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until everything is soft and the soup has thickened.
• If needed, add up to 2 cups of water to reach your preferred consistency.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaves and serve hot.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Add more liquid when reheating if needed. For variations, consider adding ham or other vegetables like kale or spinach.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 14gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 800mgFiber: 15gSugar: 4g

Calories: 250kcal

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Vegan

Keyword: Comfort Food, Healthy Soup, Meal Prep, Split Pea Soup, vegan recipe