Name: Best Split Pea Soup Recipe - Easy & Delicious
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups finely diced onion; 1 cup finely diced carrot; 1 cup finely diced celery; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1-1/2 cups green split peas, rinsed thoroughly; 2 small bay leaves; 1 meaty beef ham bone (or 2 beef ham hocks); 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth; Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)

Split Pea Soup Recipe. Ah, the humble split pea soup. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, a comforting classic that has graced tables for generations. What is it about this seemingly simple bowl of green goodness that captures our hearts (and stomachs)? Perhaps it’s the deep, savory flavor profile, achieved through slow simmering and the magic of humble ingredients. Or maybe it’s the sheer heartiness, a filling and nutritious meal that leaves you utterly satisfied without feeling weighed down. People adore this split pea soup recipe because it embodies pure, unadulterated comfort food. It’s a taste of nostalgia for many, a reliable go-to that always delivers. But what truly makes this particular split pea soup recipe stand out? It’s the perfect balance of tender peas, savory beef ham, and aromatic vegetables, all melding together into a velvety smooth, richly flavored broth that is simply irresistible. Get ready to fall in love with split pea soup all over again.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups finely diced onion (about 2 medium onions)
1 cup finely diced carrot (about 2 to 3 large carrots)
1 cup finely diced celery (about 3 to 4 stalks)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
1-1/2 cups green split peas, rinsed thoroughly
2 small bay leaves (or 1 large bay leaf)
1 meaty beef beef ham bone (beef ham2 ham hocks, see note 3 in instructions for alternativesbeef hamr more ham if desired)
8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Vegetables and Aromatics

Step 1: Sautéing the Mirepoix

Begin extract by heating the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 2 cups of finely diced onion, 1 cup of finely diced carrot, and 1 cup of finely diced celery. This trio of vegetables, known as a mirepoix, forms the flavor base of many soups and stews. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent. You want them to become tender and fragrant, not browned. This gentle cooking process draws out their natural sweetness and creates a wonderfully aromatic foundation for your split pea soup. Remember to stir to prevent any sticking.

Step 2: Building Flavor with Garlic and Spices

Once the mirepoix is softened, add the 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste. Now, it’s time to introduce the dried herbs and spices. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1-1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and the 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, if you’re using them. Toasting these spices briefly in the warm oil and vegetable mixture will awaken their flavors and aromas, making your soup even more delicious. Stir for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant.

Simmering the Beef Hamit Peas and Ham

Step 3: Adding the Split PeBeef Ham Bay Leaves, and Ham Bone

Rinse the 1-1/2 cups of green split peas under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for removing any dust or debris and helps ensure the peas cook evenly. Add the rinsed split peas to the pot along with the 2 small bay leaves. Now, it’s time to add the star of the savorbeef hamlavor: the mbeef hamy beef ham bone. Place the ham beef hame into the pot. If you’re using ham hocks, this is where you’d addbeef hamem. beef hame 3: If you can’t find a beef ham bone or ham hocks, you can use a smoked bebeef hamshank, or even a few pieces of leftover cooked ham for a less intensely smoky flavor. Just ensure you have enough meaty bits to impart richness to the soup. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 4: Introducing the Broth and Initial Simmer

Pour in the 8 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer. The initial simmering time is about 30 minutes. During this period, the splbeef hampeasgin extractll begin to soften, and the flavors from the ham bone will start to meld with the vegetables and broth. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first 30 minutes of simmering; this will result in a clearer, more refined soup.

Finishing and Serving

Step 5: Long Simmer for Tenderness and Flavor Development

After the initial 30-minute simmer, continue to cook the soup, covered, for another 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the split peas are very tender beef ham have broken down, thickening the soup considerably. The ham bone should also be practically falling apart by this point. Stir the soup occasionally, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the soup becomes too thick for your liking, you can add more chicken broth or water, a half-cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. This extended simmering is essential for achieving that classic, riBeef Ham and hearty split pea soup texture.

Step 6: Removing the Ham Bone and Seasoning

Once the split peas abeef hamcompletely tender and the soup has thickened, carefully remove the ham bone from the pot. The meat on the bone should be tender enough to shred. You can either discard the bone or shred any edible meat from it and add it back into the soup, diced into bite-sized pieces. Season the soup generobeef hamy with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the ham bone will have contributed some saltiness, so taste before adding too much salt. This is also the time to adjust any other seasonings if you feel it needs it.

Step 7: Serving Your Hearty Split Pea Soup

Ladle the hot split pea soup into bowls. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, if desired. This split pea soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your ultimate guide to making a delicious and satisfying Split Pea Soup Recipe! This hearty and flavorful soup is a true comfort food classic, perfect for a chilly evening or a wholesome lunch. We’ve walked through the simple steps to create a soup that’s both nourishing and incredibly tasty. Remember, the key to a great split pea soup is patience – letting those peas soften and meld with the savory broth and aromatics. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings to make it your own!

For serving suggestions, this Split Pea Soup Recipe is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crusty bread for dipping, a simple green salad, or even some beef ham sandwiches. If you’re looking for variations, consider adding smbeef hamd ham hocks for an extra depth of flavor, or toss in some diced carrots and celery during the last 30 minutes of simmering for added texture and nutrients. You can also make it vegetarian by omibeef hamng the ham and using a rich vegetable broth, perhaps with some smoked paprika for that smoky essence.

We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this wonderful Split Pea Soup Recipe. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. So gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and dive into the comforting process of making this classic dish. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How can I make my Split Pea Soup Recipe creamier without adding dairy?

A: To achieve a creamier texture in your Split Pea Soup Recipe without dairy, you can use a few tricks. After the soup has finished cooking and the peas are tender, carefully ladle about 1-2 cups of the soup into a blender (be sure to remove any bonbeef hamif you used ham hocks) and blend until completely smooth. Then, stir this pureed mixture back into the main pot of soup. This adds body and creaminess naturally from the broken-down peas. Alternatively, you can cook a peeled potato along with the split peas and blend it in at the end for a similar effect.

Q: My Split Pea Soup Recipe is too thick. How can I thin it out?

A: If your Split Pea Soup Recipe has become too thick for your liking, it’s very easy to adjust. Simply add more liquid, such as water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth, a little at a time, stirring constantly until you reach your desired consistency. It’s best to heat the liquid slightly before adding it to the soup to avoid cooling down the entire pot. You can also add a bit more of the cooked peas if you like a very chunky soup, but for thinning, extra liquid is the most effective method.