Simple but Scrumptious Split Pea Soup
Warm, comforting, and easy to make, this Simple but Scrumptious Split Pea Soup is a must-try for cozy nights or hearty meals. Featuring protein-packed dried split peas simmered to perfection with aromatic vegetables like onion, carrot, and celery, this soup is a celebration of savory flavors enhanced by smoked paprika and thyme. Customize it with diced ham or smoked turkey for extra richness, or leave it vegetarian with a splash of vegetable broth. Ready in just 90 minutes, this wholesome soup thickens naturally as the peas break down, making it irresistibly creamy without the need for dairy. Perfectly seasoned, it's ideal served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread for dipping. Packed with healthy ingredients and brimming with rustic charm, this split pea soup is your new go-to recipe for comfort food that nourishes both body and soul!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried split peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if preferred)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ham or smoked turkey (optional, diced or in a bone-in piece)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris. Set aside.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the rinsed split peas to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. If using, add the ham or smoked turkey at this time.
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook until the peas break down and the soup reaches your desired consistency. If the soup becomes too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out to your liking.
Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf and, if using a bone-in piece of meat, discard the bone before serving.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2420 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.5 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.4 g | 47% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 118 mg | 39% | |
| Sodium | 9814 mg | 427% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 334.1 g | 121% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 131.8 g | 471% | |
| Total Sugars | 64.9 g | ||
| Protein | 176.5 g | 353% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 564 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 27.3 mg | 152% | |
| Potassium | 7294 mg | 155% | |
*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.
