What You Need
Pantry Staples
- To create this hearty and flavorful split pea soup recipe, you’ll need a variety of pantry staples that will provide a solid foundation for the dish’s rich flavors.
- Firstly, you’ll require some basic spices and herbs to add depth and aroma to your soup. These include salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and ground cumin.
- The onions and garlic that form the base of this recipe are essential ingredients in creating a savory flavor profile. You can be sure you have these staples on hand.
- Stock or broth is another crucial component for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in split pea soup. This can be either homemade stock or store-bought varieties, depending on your preference and time constraints.
- Potato starch or all-purpose flour is another pantry staple used as a thickening agent to achieve the desired consistency for this recipe.
1 cup dried split peas (such as green or yellow)
To make the Best Ever Split Pea Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup dried split peas (such as green or yellow)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
You’ll also need the following equipment:
- A large pot with a heavy bottom (stainless steel or enameled cast iron work well)
- A hand blender (optional, but recommended for a creamy soup)
- A strainer or food mill (for pureeing the soup if desired)
Other items you may find useful:
- a cutting board for chopping vegetables
- a chef’s knife for chopping and mincing ingredients
- a measuring cup or spoons for accurately measuring out ingredients
- a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring the soup
4 cups chicken broth
To make this Best Ever Split Pea Soup recipe, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients and supplies:
For the soup base, we will be using 4 cups of chicken broth.
This high-quality broth is essential in bringing out the rich flavors of the split peas, vegetables, and aromatics. You can use either low-sodium or regular chicken broth, depending on your personal preference for seasoning.
1 onion, chopped
The ingredient list for our Best Ever Split Pea Soup Recipe includes a variety of essential components that come together to create a delicious and hearty soup. For this recipe, we’ll need one chopped onion.
3 cloves garlic, minced
To make our Best Ever Split Pea Soup Recipe, we need a few essential ingredients to bring out the full flavor and aroma of this comforting dish.
What You Need
- Split Green Peas
- Sausages (Smoked or Sweet, your choice)
- Onions, chopped
- Carrots, sliced
- Celery, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Bouillon or Stock (Chicken or Vegetable)
- Water or Low Sodium Broth
Herbs and Spices
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Black Pepper
- Salt
- Dried Thyme
Cream or Half-and-Half (optional)
Feel free to adjust the quantities and types of ingredients according to your personal preferences, dietary needs, and cultural traditions.
1 teaspoon ground cumin
To make the best ever split pea soup recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups split peas
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
The cumin is a key spice in this recipe, adding warmth and depth to the soup. You can adjust the amount of cumin to your taste, but 1 teaspoon is a good starting point.
You will also need some pantry staples, such as olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. If you don’t have these spices and seasonings, you can add them to your grocery list along with the split peas and broth.
Salt and pepper to taste
To make the ultimate Split Pea Soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including:
Salt
You’ll want to have some salt on hand to season your soup as needed. A good quality salt will help bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients in the recipe.
Pepper
In addition to salt, you’ll also need some pepper to add a touch of heat and depth to your soup. Like salt, a high-quality pepper will make all the difference in the flavor of your finished dish.
Of course, these are just two of the many ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. To see the full list of ingredients and instructions, be sure to check out our Best Ever Split Pea Soup Recipe. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be whipping up delicious split pea soup like a pro in no time.
Preparing the Soup
Aromatics
To prepare the soup, starting with the aromatics is crucial as they lay the foundation for a rich and flavorful broth.
The first step in preparing the aromatics is to chop the onion, celery, and carrots into medium-sized pieces. This will allow them to cook evenly and release their flavors more efficiently.
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. The olive oil serves as the base for sautéing the aromatics and helps bring out their natural sweetness.
Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot once the oil is warm. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re softened and lightly browned.
During this time, it’s essential to stir the vegetables occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. This will also help release their flavors and aromas into the pot.
As the aromatics cook, they’ll start to break down and release their natural sweetness. This is where the magic happens, and the flavor of the soup begins to develop.
Once the aromatics are softened, add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute. Garlic adds a depth of flavor that’s essential in any savory dish, especially when it comes to soups like split pea soup.
Now that the aromatics are cooked and the garlic is added, you can proceed with adding the remaining ingredients to make the best ever split pea soup recipe. The key is to build upon the foundation laid by the aromatics, which will ensure a rich and flavorful broth at the end of the cooking process.
Sauté the onion and garlic in a large pot until softened
To prepare the soup, start by selecting the right ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need 1 pound of dried split peas, which can be green or yellow in color.
Next, choose some aromatics to sauté in a large pot. You’ll need 2 medium-sized onions and 3 cloves of garlic. Make sure the onions are firm and have no signs of sprouting, and that the garlic is fresh and free of mold.
Begin by chopping the onions into small pieces, making sure they’re evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. You can either chop them by hand with a knife or use a food processor to speed up the process.
After chopping the onions, peel the garlic cloves and mince them as well. Mincing will help release their flavor and aroma into the pot during cooking.
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onions to the pot.
Sauté the onions until they’re softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your onions and the heat level.
Once the onions are softened, add the minced garlic to the pot and continue sautéing for another minute. Stir constantly during this time to prevent the garlic from burning or turning brown.
The onions should now be caramelized and fragrant, and the garlic should be cooked through but still retain its flavor. At this point, you can proceed with adding the other ingredients needed for the soup, including the split peas, broth, and any desired seasonings or herbs.
Add the cumin and cook for an additional minute
To prepare the soup, start by adding the cumin to the pot and stirring well to combine.
Cook for an additional minute, allowing the cumin to mellow out and blend in with the other flavors in the soup.
Note: You can also add other spices or herbs at this stage, such as paprika or dried thyme, if you prefer a more complex flavor profile.
Here are some steps you can follow to prepare the soup:
- Add cumin to the pot and stir well to combine.
- Cook for an additional minute.
The cumin will add a warm, earthy flavor to the soup that complements the sweetness of the split peas perfectly.
Tips
- Use fresh cumin for the best flavor. If you prefer a stronger or milder flavor, adjust the amount of cumin accordingly.
Adding Liquid
Add 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, making sure to cover the split peas completely. You can also use a combination of both broths for added depth of flavor.
Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat, being careful not to let it boil vigorously. Once the liquid is hot, add 1 cup of diced ham or bacon, if using. The fat from the meat will help to enrich the soup and give it a more luxurious texture.
Optional Liquid Enhancements:
- Watercress stems and leaves can be added at this stage for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition
- A few cloves of garlic, minced or crushed, can also be added to the pot to amplify the flavors
- If you prefer a clear broth, you can skim off any foam that rises to the surface before proceeding
Adding Other Liquid:
- If using frozen vegetables or canned beans, now is the time to add them to the pot. Frozen vegetables should be thawed and drained of excess moisture before adding to avoid diluting the soup. Canned beans can be added straight from the can.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients and ensure even distribution of flavors. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the peas to break down into a creamy consistency.
Monitoring Liquid Levels:
- Keep an eye on the liquid levels in the pot and adjust as necessary. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can simmer for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
- By following these steps and adjusting according to your personal preferences, you’ll be well on your way to creating the Best Ever Split Pea Soup Recipe!
Add the chicken broth, split peas, salt, and pepper to the pot
- Add 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot.
- This will serve as the base for our split pea soup, providing a rich and savory flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the peas.
- Next, add 1 cup of dried split peas to the pot. You can use either green or yellow split peas, or a combination of both.
- Split peas are a type of garden pea that has been split open during processing, making them easier to cook and giving them a more tender texture than whole peas.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can add other seasonings or spices as desired, such as dried thyme or bay leaves, but be mindful of the flavor profile you want to achieve.
- The amount of salt and pepper you use will depend on your personal preference and the strength of your broth. You may need to adjust the seasoning later in the cooking process, so it’s better to start with a light hand.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer
- Once you have your split peas, ham hocks, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and broth ready, it’s time to begin preparing the soup.
- To start, peel and chop the onions into medium-sized pieces, as they will need to simmer for a while to bring out their sweetness in the broth.
- Next, heat a large pot over medium heat and add the chopped onions. Cook until they are softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- While the onions are cooking, chop the carrots and celery into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the pot once the onions are softened and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Now it’s time to add the ham hocks, split peas, and broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the split peas are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Avoid letting the soup boil too vigorously, as this can cause the liquid to evaporate quickly. Instead, keep a gentle simmer going to ensure that the soup cooks slowly and evenly.
- After 30-40 minutes of simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. You can also store the leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for later use.
Final Touches
Puréeing the Soup
The final touches to our best ever split pea soup recipe are essential to bring out the full flavors and textures.
To purée the soup, we can use an immersion blender, a regular blender, or even leave it as a chunky texture – it’s up to personal preference!
Here’s how you can achieve each method:
- Using an Immersion Blender: Carefully insert the immersion blender into the hot soup and blend until smooth. Be cautious not to splash any of the soup.
- Using a Regular Blender: Ladle the hot soup into a blender in small batches (about 2 cups at a time). Blend until smooth, then return the puréed soup back into the pot.
- Leaving it Chunky: If you prefer a chunkier texture, simply leave some of the peas and vegetables as they are. This way, you’ll get to enjoy the varying textures in each spoonful.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as puréeing can affect the flavor profile slightly.
Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth
The final touches are what make this best ever split pea soup recipe truly special. To achieve a creamy and velvety texture, you have two options.
Option 1: Immersion Blender
To use an immersion blender, simply insert the blades into the soup pot and blend until smooth. This method is ideal if you don’t want to transfer the soup to another container or if you’re short on time. Make sure to hold the blender steady and blend in a gentle, sweeping motion to avoid splashing any of the hot liquid.
Option 2: Transfer to Blender
If you prefer to blend your soup in batches, transfer it to a blender, leaving enough space at the top for the mixture to expand during blending. Secure the lid and blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Be careful when handling hot liquids and avoid overfilling the blender, as this can cause the contents to spill over.
Once you’ve achieved your desired consistency, return the soup to the pot (if using the transfer method) or simply reheat it with a gentle simmer on low heat. Season to taste with any additional salt, pepper, or herbs, and enjoy your best ever split pea soup!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your best-ever split pea soup recipe, you want to ensure that every guest has a delightful and satisfying experience.
Final Touches
Add a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream to each bowl for an extra burst of creamy texture and flavor. This adds a luxurious twist to the classic soup.
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme, which add a bright and refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
For a pop of color and added nutrition, sprinkle some chopped scallions or chives on top. This adds a nice oniony flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
Bread Options
- Crusty baguette slices: A classic combination that pairs perfectly with split pea soup.
- Croutons: Add some crunchy texture by sprinkling croutons made from bread or crackers on top of the soup.
Additional Toppings
- Pickled onions or relish: A tangy and sweet contrast to the savory soup.
- Diced cooked ham or bacon: Add some smoky flavor with diced cooked meats.
Consider serving your split pea soup in a bread bowl for an added rustic touch. Simply hollow out a round loaf of bread, fill it with the soup, and serve.
Pairing Suggestions
- Serve your best-ever split pea soup recipe alongside some crusty bread or crackers to mop up the flavorful broth.
- A green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- If you’re looking for something more substantial, consider serving the soup with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots.
Make it a Meal
Pairs well with:
- Creamy coleslaw: A creamy and crunchy side dish that complements the soup nicely.
- Baked potatoes or potato wedges: Add some starchy goodness to your meal.
Get Creative
Try serving your split pea soup in a hollowed-out pumpkin or squash for a seasonal twist.
You can also use this recipe as a base and add other ingredients like diced cooked sausage, chopped kale, or sliced potatoes to create different variations.
Serve it Cold
Yes, you read that right! Serve your split pea soup chilled for a refreshing summer meal. Just puree the soup, chill it in the refrigerator, and serve with some crusty bread or crackers.
Serve with a swirl of cream or crusty bread for dipping
The final touches on our Best Ever Split Pea Soup Recipe are what elevate it from a simple, comforting bowl of soup to a truly exceptional and memorable dining experience.
Firstly, consider serving your split pea soup with a swirl of cream. This adds a luxurious and rich element to the dish that complements the earthy sweetness of the peas perfectly. The creamy texture provides a nice contrast to the chunky vegetables and tender peas.
An alternative option is to serve your split pea soup with crusty bread for dipping. There’s something about dunking a hunk of warm, crusty bread into a rich and flavorful broth that just feels like a hug in a bowl. Choose a hearty bread such as baguette or ciabatta that can hold up to being dipped without becoming too soggy.
Whether you choose to serve with cream or crusty bread, be sure to finish your split pea soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. This adds a bright and refreshing note to the dish that helps to cut through the richness of the peas and cream (if using).
To take it up another notch, consider garnishing your split pea soup with some croutons or crispy bacon bits. These add a satisfying crunch to the dish and help to balance out the softness of the peas.
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