Tips On How To Make The Best Split Pea Soup Recipe In 2023
What Is Split Pea Soup?
Split pea soup is one of the oldest recorded recipes in American culture, dating back to the 1700s. The soup usually consists of split peas, onion, celery, carrots, ham or bacon, and various herbs and spices. It is a hearty and comforting dish that is both nutritious and easy to make. Split pea soup is a great way to use up leftovers, as you can throw in any leftover vegetables or meat that you have lying around. The best part about making this soup is that you can adjust the ingredients to your preference and make it as thick or thin as you want.
Ingredients to Make Split Pea Soup
The basic ingredients you will need to make split pea soup are split peas, onion, celery, carrots, and some type of ham or bacon. You can also add any other vegetables and herbs you have in your pantry. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make a delicious split pea soup:
- 2 cups of split peas
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 stalks of celery, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 6 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of diced ham or bacon
- Salt to taste
Steps to Prepare the Split Pea Soup
Making split pea soup is a relatively simple process. You will need to first gather all of your ingredients and have them ready before you begin. Here are the steps you need to follow to make split pea soup:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the bacon or ham. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is lightly browned and the fat has rendered.
- Add the onion, celery, and carrots to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the split peas, thyme, bay leaf, black pepper, and broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasonings to taste. Add more broth or water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve the soup with a sprinkle of diced ham or bacon and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Tips for Making the Best Split Pea Soup
Making split pea soup is easy, but here are some tips to help you make the best split pea soup:
- Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the soup will add extra flavor and depth to the soup.
- Adding a ham hock or smoked ham bone to the soup will add an intense smoky flavor.
- Adding a splash of vinegar at the end of cooking will help to brighten up the flavor of the soup.
- Adding a few tablespoons of butter at the end of cooking will add richness and depth to the soup.
- Adding a few tablespoons of cream or half and half at the end of cooking will add a creamy texture and flavor to the soup.
Serving Suggestions for Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. Here are some serving suggestions for split pea soup:
- Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Top the soup with diced ham or bacon, chopped fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve the soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Add cooked rice or quinoa to the soup for extra texture and protein.
- Top the soup with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Conclusion
Split pea soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is packed with nutrition and flavor. It is an easy and inexpensive meal that can be made with ingredients you already have in your pantry. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can make the best split pea soup that will be sure to impress your friends and family. So, next time you are looking for a comforting and delicious meal, give this split pea soup a try!