Split Pea Soup Recipe

Dried split peas: These are the base of the soup, providing a creamy texture and earthy flavor when cooked.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the soup.

Carrots: Bring a subtle sweetness and additional nutrients.

Celery: Adds a slight bitterness and crunch, balancing the flavors.

Garlic: Infuses the soup with a rich, aromatic flavor.

Ham hock: Provides a smoky, meaty flavor and adds richness to the soup.

Chicken broth: Forms the liquid base, enhancing the overall taste.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.

To enhance the flavor of your split pea soup, consider sautéing the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the pot. This step caramelizes the vegetables, adding a deeper, richer taste to the soup. Additionally, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after removing the ham hock.

• dried split peas - Substitute with green lentils: Green lentils have a similar texture and cook faster, making them a good alternative.

• dried split peas - Substitute with yellow split peas: Yellow split peas have a slightly different flavor but will provide a similar consistency.

• chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can enhance the soup.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a more delicate and slightly sweet taste compared to onions.

• chopped carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the soup well.

• chopped carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different sweetness and a creamy texture.

• chopped celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a slight anise flavor that can add depth to the soup.

• chopped celery - Substitute with bok choy: Bok choy provides a similar crunch and mild flavor.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it lacks the fresh aroma.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a mild garlic-like flavor.

• ham hock - Substitute with smoked turkey leg: Smoked turkey leg offers a similar smoky flavor and richness.

• ham hock - Substitute with bacon: Bacon can provide a smoky, salty flavor that enhances the soup.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good option for a vegetarian version of the soup.

• chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth adds a richer, deeper flavor to the soup.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different mineral profile and flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used for a less pungent taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice to the soup.

• Allow the split pea soup to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and helps maintain the soup's texture and flavor.

• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers. This makes reheating a breeze and reduces waste.

• Label each container with the date of preparation. This helps keep track of freshness and ensures you consume the soup within a safe timeframe.

• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The cool environment will keep the vegetables and ham hock flavorful and safe to eat.

• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. Make sure to leave some space at the top of each container to allow for expansion as the soup freezes.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the soup's texture and prevents any sudden temperature changes that could affect the flavor.

• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the soup is hot throughout.

• Always taste the reheated soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and black pepper if needed, as flavors can sometimes mellow during storage.

• Enjoy your split pea soup with a fresh slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Pour the split pea soup into a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup is too thick.
  4. Once heated through, serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the split pea soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second increments if needed.
  5. Stir well and savor the warmth of the soup.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the split pea soup in the slow cooker.
  2. Set to low heat and cover.
  3. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
  4. Once thoroughly heated, ladle into bowls and relish the rich, hearty taste.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the split pea soup to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover with foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer.
  2. Place the split pea soup in the top pot.
  3. Stir occasionally, heating until the soup is warm throughout.
  4. Enjoy the gentle, evenly heated soup.

• Large pot: Use this to combine all the ingredients and cook the soup.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and ham.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meat.

• Measuring cups: Helps measure the chicken broth accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring salt and pepper to taste.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the soup as it cooks.

• Ladle: Perfect for serving the hot soup into bowls.

• Tongs: Handy for removing the ham hock from the soup.

• Bowl: Use this to hold the chopped ham before returning it to the pot.

• Garlic press: Convenient for mincing the garlic cloves.

Use pre-chopped vegetables: Save time by buying pre-chopped onions, carrots, and celery from the store.

Instant pot method: Use an Instant Pot to cook the soup in a fraction of the time. Set it to high pressure for 15 minutes.

Pre-soak split peas: Soak the split peas overnight to reduce cooking time.

Use pre-cooked ham: Substitute the ham hock with pre-cooked ham to skip the step of removing and chopping the meat.

Batch cooking: Make a large batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.