Split Pea Soup

Introduction to Split Pea Soup

Why Split Pea Soup is a Timeless Classic

Split pea soup is more than just a meal; it's a comforting embrace on a chilly day, a warm memory from childhood kitchens. Its rich history can be traced back centuries, enjoyed by various cultures across the globe. A standout in the soup family, it features nutty split peas that create a velvety texture, perfectly complemented by flavorful ingredients. Whether you grew up eating it prepared by a loved one or are discovering it for the first time, there's something undeniably heartwarming about a bowl of split pea soup.

One of the reasons this dish has become a staple is its versatility. It can be made with various proteins—such as chicken ham or even turkey bacon—allowing for delicious tweaks based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Plus, split peas are nutritious, packed with protein and fiber, making this soup an excellent choice for anyone craving something satisfying without the guilt.

This delightful soup is easy to prepare, whether you're boiling it on the stovetop or letting it gently simmer all day in a slow cooker. For an unforgettable experience, consider pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. Dive into the world of split pea soup, and you'll find that it's not just a dish; it's an experience that connects generations.

If you want to learn more about the nutritional benefits of peas, check out Healthline's article.

Ingredients for Split Pea Soup

Essential Ingredients

To create a delicious and hearty split pea soup, you'll need a handful of essential ingredients that meld beautifully together. Here’s what you should gather:

• 1 lb. dry split peas (about 2 cups)
• 1 ham bone (for deep flavor—see suggestions below if you're looking for substitutes)
• 2 cups chicken ham, diced
• 2 cups onions, diced finely
• 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves and 2 sprigs thyme for aroma
• 8 cups water
• 2 cups carrots, diced
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced

These ingredients combine to create a comforting soup that's perfect for any day of the week!

Substitutions and Additions

Don’t have everything on hand? No worries! Here are some fantastic substitutions and additions that can still yield a mouthwatering split pea soup:

• If you’re out of ham bones, try using a bone-in picnic shoulder or smoked ham shank for similar flavors.
• For those preferring a vegetarian option, replace the ham and bone with chopped turkey bacon or smoked beef to maintain a rich taste.
• Adding vegetables like celery or herbs like parsley can elevate the soup's flavor further.
• For a bit of heat, throw in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to give your split pea soup an extra kick.

With these options, you can customize the soup to your taste while ensuring it's still packed with flavor! For more tips on ingredient swapping, check out resources like Serious Eats.

Preparing Split Pea Soup

Making a hearty split pea soup is a delightful experience, perfect for a cozy night in or to impress friends at a dinner gathering. Packed with flavor and goodness, this soup is versatile and easy to prepare using various cooking methods. Let’s dive into how to create this comforting dish!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• 1 lb. dry split peas (about 2 cups)
• 1 chicken ham bone for that rich depth of flavor
• 2 cups chicken ham, diced from the bone afterward
• 2 cups diced onions
• 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 8 cups water
• 2 cups diced carrots
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced

It's worth noting that you don’t need to soak the split peas, making prep time a breeze. Ready? Let’s cook!

The Stovetop Method

If you prefer a traditional approach, the stovetop method is the way to go! Start by:

1. Adding the ham bone, rinsed split peas, onions, onion powder, butter, olive oil, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme to a large pot.
2. Pour in the water and bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer with the lid slightly cracked.

This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully as the soup thickens over 2.5 hours. Remember to stir occasionally; a watched pot does simmer better!

3. About 40 minutes before serving, include the carrots and potatoes.

Once everything is fork-tender, remove the bone and herbs, shred the chicken ham back into the pot, and enjoy!

Utilizing the Instant Pot

If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is a game-changer! Here’s how:

1. Rinse the split peas and add all ingredients to a 6-quart Instant Pot.
2. Secure the lid, set it to high pressure, and cook for 25 minutes.

Once done, let it naturally release pressure for about 10-15 minutes before manually releasing the rest.

3. Remove the bone and herbs, shred your chicken ham, and stir it all back into your soup.

Slow Cooker Magic

For a hands-off approach, try a slow cooker! Just:

1. Place all the ingredients in a large slow cooker (5 quarts or larger).
2. Cook on low for 8+ hours or high for 6+ hours.

Once the split peas are tender, pull out the bone and herbs, and stir in the chicken ham.

Final Touches

Whichever method you choose, you’re just about ready to serve your delicious split pea soup! A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the flavors even more. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

By following these steps, you'll create a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. For more tips on enhancing your soups, check out renowned cooking sites like Serious Eats or Bon Appétit. Happy cooking!

Variations on Split Pea Soup

Veggie-Loaded Split Pea Soup
Want to amp up the nutritional value of your split pea soup? Toss in an array of seasonal vegetables! Think bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potato for extra sweetness. This not only boosts the fiber but also adds a delightful texture and vibrant color to your dish. For a heartier experience, consider adding quinoa or brown rice.

Spicy Split Pea Soup
Craving some heat? Transform your classic split pea soup by adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also include diced jalapeños for that extra kick. Combine this with cumin and smoked paprika to create a uniquely flavor-packed experience that tantalizes your taste buds. Try topping it with cilantro for a refreshing finish!

For more inspiration, check out delicious veggie recipes on AllRecipes and spice up your culinary skills with tips from Epicurious!

Cooking Tips for Split Pea Soup

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

To achieve a thick and hearty split pea soup, remember that the longer it simmers, the thicker it becomes. If you prefer a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup after cooking! Also, keep an eye on your simmering time; at higher altitudes, you may need to increase your cooking time significantly. When adding vegetables, do so about 40 minutes before you're ready to serve to maintain their texture.

Flavor Boosting Tips

Elevate your split pea soup with a few tried-and-true techniques:

• Add herbs like rosemary or oregano for an aromatic finish.
• Incorporate smoked spices to deepen the flavor profile.
• If you’re using substitutes for chicken ham, like turkey bacon, ensure you add seasonings like garlic and onion to infuse the soup with richness.

For further inspiration on flavors, check out Serious Eats or Bon Appétit.

Serving Suggestions for Split Pea Soup

Tasty Accompaniments

When enjoying your split pea soup, consider pairing it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the flavor, while crunchy croutons add a delightful texture. For a healthier option, serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a quinoa salad.

Presentation Ideas

To make your split pea soup visually appealing, serve it in vibrant bowls, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Drizzle a touch of olive oil on top for a beautiful finish. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper can add a pop of color and flavor, making your dish not just tasty, but also Instagram-worthy! Consider checking out these plating tips for more inspiration.

Time Breakdown for Split Pea Soup

Preparation Time

The prep time for this hearty split pea soup is just 10 minutes! Simply gather your ingredients, chop the vegetables, and you’re ready to go.

Cooking Time

The cooking time varies based on your method:

• Stovetop: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes of simmering allows for rich flavors to develop.
• Instant Pot: A quick 25 minutes under high pressure gets things cooking fast.
• Slow Cooker: Patience pays off here; expect about 6 to 8 hours of leisurely cooking.

Total Time

In total, you can whip up a delightful batch of split pea soup in about 2 hours and 40 minutes using the stovetop method, or conveniently let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day. This timeline makes it a perfect meal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends.

For those who want to dive deeper into the nutritional benefits of split peas, check out this article on Healthline.

Nutritional Information for Split Pea Soup

When you're savoring a warm bowl of split pea soup, you might wonder just what you're nourishing your body with. Here’s a quick overview:

Calories

Each serving of this split pea soup contains approximately 364 calories, making it a satisfying option without the guilt.

Protein

You'll get a hearty boost of 22 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the chicken ham and split peas, both excellent sources of this essential nutrient.

Fiber

One of the standout features of this split pea soup is its impressive fiber content, offering around 16 grams per serving. This fiber is crucial for digestion and can help you feel fuller longer.

For more insights on nutrition and fiber's benefits, check out this resource from the USDA. Enjoy cooking and nourishing yourself with this healthy, comforting soup!

FAQs about Split Pea Soup

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can enjoy a delicious vegetarian split pea soup by skipping the chicken ham and ham bone altogether. Instead, enhance the flavor by using vegetable broth or organic low-sodium bouillon cubes. Adding extra herbs and spices, such as smoked paprika, can also help maintain a savory depth.

How do I store leftover split pea soup?

Leftover split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions—just make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to adjust the consistency.

What can I use instead of a ham bone?

If you don’t have a ham bone, there are several tasty alternatives. A bone-in picnic shoulder or a smoked ham shank will work well. Alternatively, a ham hock or even chopped salted beef can add a robust flavor. For a lighter option, consider using turkey bacon or diced chicken ham to give your soup that satisfying, meaty essence.

For more tips and alternative recipes, check out this handy guide to cooking legumes for even more delicious ideas.

Conclusion on Split Pea Soup

In conclusion, split pea soup is a nourishing dish that combines comfort with incredible flavors. Whether you choose the traditional stove-top method or the convenience of an Instant Pot, this recipe makes meal prep a breeze. Give it a try, and experience a cozy meal that warms both heart and home! For more creative recipes, check out Food Network or Epicurious.

Split Pea Soup

This Split Pea Soup features a delicious ham bone, potatoes, and carrots, in a thick and flavorful broth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 364 kcal

Equipment

• soup pot
• Instant Pot
• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 1 lb. dry split peas
• 1 piece ham bone See notes for substitution options
• 2 cups ham cut from the ham bone at the end
• 2 cups onions diced
• 1.5 tablespoons onion powder not teaspoons
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic minced
• 2 pieces bay leaves
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 8 cups water
• 2 cups carrots diced
• 2 pieces russet potatoes peeled and diced

Instructions

 

Stove Top

• Add the uncleaned/meaty ham bone to a large soup pot along with the rinsed split peas, onions, onion powder, butter, olive oil, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme.
• Add the water and bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, with the lid slightly cracked.
• Let the soup simmer for 2.5 hours or until desired thickness is obtained. Stir occasionally as it cooks to lift any settling on the bottom of the pot.
• Add the carrots and potatoes about 40 minutes prior to serving.
• Once the carrots and potatoes are fork tender, remove the ham bone, bay leaves, and thyme stems. Shred/cut 2 cups of ham from the bone and add it back to the soup. Serve and enjoy!

Instant Pot

• Rinse the peas. Add all of the ingredients to a 6+ quart instant pot. Make sure the pot isn’t more than ⅔ full.
• Secure the lid and set it to cook on high for 25 minutes.
• Once finished, let 10-15 minutes pass before you trigger the quick release valve.
• Remove the ham bone, the bay leaves, and thyme stems. Slice/cut 2 cups of ham from the ham bone and add it back to the soup. Serve!

Slow Cooker

• Rinse the peas. Add all of the ingredients to a large Slow Cooker (5 quarts or larger).
• Cook on low for 8+ hours or on high for 6+ hours.
• Remove the ham bone, the bay leaves, and thyme stems. Slice/cut 2 cups of ham from the ham bone and add it back to the soup. Serve!

Notes

Using a meaty, uncleaned ham bone gives this soup its rich and savory flavor. Substitutes include bone-in picnic shoulder, smoked ham shank, ham hock, chopped salted pork, or chopped smoked bacon.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 364kcal

Keyword Comfort Food, ham bone, Peas, soup, Split Pea Soup, vegetables

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