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Hearty Split Pea Soup With Vegetables

Hearty Split Pea Soup with Vegetables

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Split pea soup is a timeless comfort food, combining the wholesome goodness of split peas with a medley of vibrant vegetables. This hearty soup is both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for chilly days when you crave something warm and nourishing. By focusing on fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and savory broth, this recipe creates a rich and flavorful soup that can be enjoyed as a meal on its own or paired with crusty bread.

Ingredients

Main Components

  • 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed: The star ingredient, providing protein, fiber, and a creamy texture as it cooks.
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Gives the soup a hearty, filling quality.
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Contributes a savory depth of flavor.
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the aromatic base of the soup.

Seasonings and Herbs

  • 1-2 bay leaves: Adds a subtle, earthy note to the broth.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that complements the split peas beautifully.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.

Liquid Base

  • 7-8 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water): The liquid foundation of the soup, imparting flavor and aiding the cooking process.

Cooking Essentials

  • Olive oil or butter for sautéing: Used to sauté the vegetables and build the soup’s flavor profile.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Begin by prepping all your vegetables. Dice the carrots, potatoes, and onion into uniform pieces for even cooking. Mince the garlic to ensure it distributes its flavor throughout the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and garlic.
  3. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and fragrant. This step forms the flavorful base of the soup.

Step 3: Add the Split Peas

  1. Stir in the rinsed split peas, mixing them with the sautéed vegetables. This allows the peas to absorb some of the aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

  1. Add the broth or water to the pot, ensuring it fully covers the peas and vegetables.
  2. Toss in the bay leaves and sprinkle in the thyme. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

  1. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer for 45-60 minutes.
  2. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  3. As the peas cook, they will break down and naturally thicken the soup, creating a creamy consistency.

Step 6: Add the Potatoes

  1. About 20 minutes before the cooking time is complete, add the diced potatoes to the pot.
  2. Continue simmering until the potatoes are tender, which should take around 20 minutes.

Step 7: Adjust the Seasoning

  1. Remove the bay leaves from the soup.
  2. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If the broth is unsalted, you may need to add a bit more salt to enhance the overall flavor.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s hot.
  2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or other herbs for a burst of color and freshness.
  3. Serve the soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or even on its own for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
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Why This Soup is So Good

Nutritional Benefits

Split peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, making this soup a nourishing choice. The addition of vegetables like carrots and potatoes contributes vitamins and minerals, while the broth keeps it hydrating and flavorful.

Versatility

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding additional vegetables such as celery, zucchini, or leeks. For an extra boost of flavor, you can include spices like smoked paprika or turmeric.

Great for Meal Prep

This soup is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Make a large batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and delicious meal.

Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup

  1. Rinse the Split Peas: Always rinse split peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or impurities.
  2. Use Fresh Herbs: If available, fresh thyme and parsley can elevate the flavor of the soup even more than their dried counterparts.
  3. Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stirring occasionally prevents the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures an even consistency.
  4. Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth or water. For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer, or use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup.
  5. Add Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors and add a hint of acidity.

Substitutions and Variations

  1. Vegetarian and Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and skip any meat-related flavorings for a fully plant-based version.
  2. Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano to create different flavor profiles.
  3. Low-Carb Version: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower or omit them entirely to reduce the carbohydrate content.
  4. Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the broth used does not contain gluten.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all the ingredients except the potatoes to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the potatoes during the last 1-2 hours of cooking.

How can I thicken my split pea soup?

Split peas naturally thicken the soup as they cook. For an even creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup.

Can I freeze split pea soup?

Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Conclusion

Hearty split pea soup with vegetables is a timeless, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it as a nourishing weeknight meal or a make-ahead option for busy days, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The combination of tender split peas, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a bowl of soup that’s as delicious as it is wholesome. Try it today and experience the comforting joy of homemade soup!

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