Transform your split pea soup into a restaurant-quality dish with our secret ingredient and cooking tips
I love peas. I eat peas out of the can cold…super yummy to me! About eight years ago I had my first bowl of split pea soup in New York. It was the best thing I have ever had. Like seriously, one of the best meals of my life. And then eight years pass and I never have it again. I forgot all about Split Pea Soup until out of the blue one day my DH tells me that he loves split pea soup. “Um, since when?” I wondered, seeing that we have been married for a while and split peas have never ever been brought up into food conversations. So I decided to take a stab at it and now split pea soup is a regular easy recipe that I make at home.
Cook Eat Delicious Rating: This soup is delicious. My DH loves it and so do I! It is thick and hearty but at the same time it is light, not heavy and weighing you down. I love the chunks of tomato soup and carrots. The split peas dissolve into the broth and cover each veggie in its greeness which tastes delicious. Since this is a vegan/vegetarian recipe, there is no salty ham that is often times found in a split pea soup. But believe me, you won’t miss it at all. The bowl below speaks for it self!
Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 bay leaf
- 8 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp parsley
- 3 cups dried split peas
- 8 cups water
- 2 bouillon cubes
- 3 carrots sliced
- 5 celery stalks chopped
- 5 potatoes diced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot add in oil over medium heat.
- Stir in onion, bay leaves, and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in basil, oregano, pepper, and parsley.
- Add in split peas, water, and bouillon cubes.
- Bring to a boil for five minutes.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook for 2 hour.
- Add inn carrots, celery, and potatoes and cook for an additional 1 hour.
- Season with salt to taste.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Slow Cooking For Perfection
There’s nothing like a hearty bowl of split pea soup – and the slow cooker is perfect for making it. Not only is slow cooking a great way to cook food, but it also enhances the flavor of recipes. In this section, we will outline the steps that you need to take in order to make the perfect split pea soup using a slow cooker or crockpot.
Before beginning, be sure to have all your ingredients ready and waiting for you in the slow cooker/crockpot. Start by adding about two cups of water into the crockpot and bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, add about two cups of white beans and let them simmer for about an hour or until they are tender.
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Now it’s time to add some flavor! To do this, add about one tablespoon of olive oil or butter (or both) into your crockpot along with two cloves minced garlic and one teaspoon dried thyme. Stir everything around until everything is well combined before adding in three cups of vegetable stock or broth. Be sure to season with salt and pepper as desired before serving up your soup hot and freshly packed with fresh chopped parsley if desired! For extra deliciousness, stir in one can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes during the last five minutes of cooking time.
If you’re looking for a faster way to make great split pea soup without sacrificing flavor, consider using a pre-made recipe instead of trying to create it from scratch. There are many amazing slow cooker/crock pot recipes available online that will give you delicious results every time – all without having to spend hours in the kitchen! Whether you’re looking for something simple like lentil soup or something more complex like Moroccan chickpea curry, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for on websites like The Kitchn or Cooking Light. And if you’re feeling ambitious (or just want some ideas), take a look at our roundup of 25+ best Slow Cooker Recipes on FoodAndMeal.Com!
Finally, don’t forget the finishing touches: sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and chopped parsley if desired. This simple combination can turn any dish into something special – perfect for topping off your delicious split pea soup! And don’t forget – storing leftovers is easy when cooked using a slow cooker/crock pot: simply place everything into an airtight container and refrigerate overnight before serving up hot and fresh the next morning!
Garnishing Tips And Tricks
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Split Pea Soup
First things first, let’s talk texture. For that perfectly creamy consistency, it’s all about the simmer. Low and slow is the way to go, my friends. And if you’re in a pinch, don’t shy away from using a pressure cooker. It works like a charm!
Another tip? Don’t skimp on the mirepoix (that’s chef speak for the holy trinity of onions, carrots, and celery). This flavor base will give your Split Pea Soup a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Extended FAQs About Split Pea Soup
Let’s dive a little deeper into the pea soup pot, shall we? Soaking peas can be a bit of a hot topic in the legume community. While it’s true that soaking split peas can cut down on cooking time, it’s not an absolute necessity. If you forget to soak them overnight, don’t fret! Just rinse those babies off and throw them into the pot. They’ll need a bit more time to become tender, but they’ll get there. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to soup-making.
Now, if you’re sitting there wondering, “But what about the flavor? Does soaking affect that?” Here’s the scoop: soaking doesn’t really change the taste. The magic happens during the cooking process, where all the ingredients come together to create that savory, homey goodness.
Speaking of flavor, let’s talk about ham hocks. These are a traditional add-in for Split Pea Soup that can really amp up the taste. If you’re vegetarian or just not into pork, smoked paprika can give you a similar depth of flavor without the meat.
And what about thickness? Some folks like their Split Pea Soup thick enough to stand a spoon in, while others prefer it a bit more brothy. If you’re looking to thicken things up, just let the soup simmer uncovered for a bit longer. The peas will break down and naturally thicken the soup. On the flip side, if it’s too thick, just add a splash of broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Lastly, let’s not forget about leftovers. Split Pea Soup is one of those magical dishes that tastes even better the next day. The flavors have time to mingle and get to know each other, resulting in an even more delicious soup. Just remember to store it properly in the fridge, and you’ll have a tasty meal waiting for you.
So keep those questions coming, and I’ll keep dishing out the answers. With a little love and some culinary know-how, your Split Pea Soup will be the talk of the town – or at least your dinner table. Happy slurping!
Serving Suggestions for Split Pea Soup
Now, let’s talk about serving up this deliciousness. Split Pea Soup is a meal in a bowl, but I love to pair it with a crusty piece of bread for that ultimate comfort food experience. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream can really make the flavors pop.
So there you have it, folks – a few of my personal insights on making and enjoying Split Pea Soup. Whether you’re a seasoned soup-maker or trying it out for the first time, I hope these tips help you whip up a batch that warms the soul.
Until next time, keep stirring the pot and savoring the good stuff!
Wrapping Up Our Split Pea Soup Saga
As we ladle out the last spoonfuls of wisdom on this Split Pea Soup adventure, I hope you’re feeling ready to tackle this classic dish with gusto. Remember, whether you soak or not, go green with your peas, or jazz things up with some smoky flavors, the most important ingredient is always a dash of love.
Don’t forget that this soup is like a fine wine – it gets better with time. So make a big pot, enjoy the fruits of your labor, and then relish in the leftovers that promise to be even more flavorful the next day.
I’ve had a blast sharing my passion for Split Pea Soup with you. May your kitchen be filled with the comforting aroma of simmering soup, and may your table be surrounded by the warmth of good company.
Until we meet again, keep that spoon spinning and your taste buds tingling. Bon appétit, my fellow soup connoisseurs!
