Description
Hearty split pea soup brings comfort from French countryside kitchens with classic ham and vegetable ingredients. Warm, rich flavors blend smoothly, offering nourishing satisfaction you can savor without hesitation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 6 cups (1.5L) chicken or vegetable broth
- 12 cups (240-480ml) water
- 1 ham bone, ham hock, or 1 cup diced cooked ham (optional for smoky flavor)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Heat chosen fat in a large pot over medium heat, creating a golden foundation for the soup’s aromatics.
- Sautéing Vegetables: Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and translucent, stirring to prevent scorching while developing a rich flavor base.
- Seasoning: Introduce minced garlic, thyme, and paprika, stirring to activate herbs and spices, releasing their robust essence throughout the cooking vessel.
- Legume Integration: Fold in split peas, coating thoroughly with the vegetable and spice mixture, ensuring complete flavor absorption.
- Liquid Foundation: Pour broth and water into the pot, creating a harmonious cooking medium that will transform ingredients into a velvety soup.
- Simmering Process: Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat, and cover, allowing split peas to break down and meld with surrounding ingredients for approximately 45-50 minutes.
- Final Touches: Incorporate ham or bacon if desired, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- Serving: Remove from heat, let rest briefly to allow flavors to intensify, then ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a creamy dollop for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Prevent Burning: Stir vegetables frequently and maintain medium-low heat to avoid scorching and develop rich caramelized flavors without bitterness.
- Pea Texture Management: Cook split peas slowly and gently to ensure they break down smoothly without becoming mushy or losing their subtle texture.
- Enhanced Flavor Layering: Toast herbs and spices briefly in fat before adding liquid to maximize their aromatic potential and deepen the soup’s complexity.
- Dietary Adaptability: Substitute ham with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for vegetarian version, or use turkey bacon for lower-fat alternative without compromising depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg