Popeye Split Pea Soup
Warm, hearty, and packed with vibrant nutrients, Popeye Split Pea Soup is a nourishing twist on a classic comfort dish. Featuring protein-rich dried split peas, a medley of aromatic vegetables, and a touch of smoky paprika, this recipe gets an energizing upgrade with the addition of fresh spinach—hence the nod to Popeye! Simmered to perfection in a savory vegetable broth and brightened with a splash of lemon juice, this soup achieves the perfect balance of creamy and earthy flavors. Whether partially blended for a velvety texture or left chunky for added heartiness, this 50-minute one-pot wonder is a satisfying, plant-based meal you'll turn to again and again. Serve it steaming hot with crusty bread for a comforting dinner or a wholesome lunch. Perfect for soup lovers looking for a healthy and delicious option!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrot, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dried split peas, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 piece bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes or until the split peas are tender and breaking apart.
Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, puree, and return it to the pot.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
Add the lemon juice, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with additional spinach or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1649 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.6 g | 56% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.4 g | 37% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5959 mg | 259% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 247.1 g | 90% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 77.8 g | 278% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.5 g | ||
| Protein | 81.8 g | 164% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 554 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 22.8 mg | 127% | |
| Potassium | 5323 mg | 113% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
