Split Pea Soup Recipe

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

Onion: Adds a depth of flavor and sweetness to the soup.

Carrots: Contributes a subtle sweetness and additional nutrients.

Celery: Provides a slight crunch and enhances the overall flavor.

Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the soup.

Ham hock: Infuses the soup with a smoky, savory taste. If using diced ham, it adds a meaty texture.

Chicken broth: Serves as the liquid base, adding richness and depth to the soup.

Bay leaf: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

When sautéing the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, make sure to cook them over medium heat until they are just beginning to caramelize. This will enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables and add a deeper flavor to your split pea soup.

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

• dried split peas - Substitute with yellow split peas: Yellow split peas offer a slightly different flavor but maintain the same consistency.

• large onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter taste, which can complement the soup.

• large onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks add a subtle onion flavor and a bit of sweetness, enhancing the soup's depth.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture but add a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor.

• carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different texture and a sweet, earthy flavor that complements the soup.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a slight anise flavor, which can add complexity to the soup.

• celery - Substitute with bok choy: Bok choy provides a similar crunch and mild flavor, making it a good alternative.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it lacks the fresh taste of minced garlic.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic flavor along with a hint of sweetness.

• ham hock - Substitute with smoked turkey leg: Smoked turkey leg provides a similar smoky flavor and meaty texture.

• ham hock - Substitute with bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the soup well.

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

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

• bay leaf - Substitute with thyme: Thyme offers a different but complementary herbal note to the soup.

• bay leaf - Substitute with oregano: Oregano provides a robust, earthy flavor that can enhance the soup's taste.

• Allow the split pea soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to a watery soup and potential bacterial growth.

• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers. This makes reheating a breeze and helps maintain the soup's texture and flavor.

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

• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the split pea soup within 3-4 days. This keeps the soup fresh and ready for a quick meal.

• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The split pea soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the soup's texture and flavor.

• Reheat the split pea soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to avoid hot spots.

• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

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

• Stovetop Method: Pour the split pea soup into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup is too thick. Heat until the soup is warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave Method: Transfer the split pea soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals, stirring each time, until the soup is hot.

• Slow Cooker Method: Place the split pea soup in a slow cooker and set it to low. Cover and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is great for reheating a large batch of soup evenly.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the split pea soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the soup is hot.

• Double Boiler Method: Fill the bottom part of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the split pea soup in the top part of the double boiler. Stir occasionally and heat until the soup is warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This method helps to gently reheat the soup without burning.

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup, providing ample space for all ingredients to simmer together.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

• Cutting board: Used for chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.

• Chef's knife: Necessary for chopping vegetables and mincing garlic.

• Measuring cups: Useful for measuring the chicken broth accurately.

• Colander: Handy for rinsing and sorting the split peas before adding them to the pot.

• Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup once it's ready.

• Tongs: Useful for removing the ham hock from the soup if used.

• Small bowl: Can be used to hold the chopped ham after removing it from the ham hock.

• Peeler: Optional, but can be used to peel the carrots before chopping them.

Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic.

Instant pot method: Use an Instant Pot to cook the soup in under 30 minutes.

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

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick future meals.

Pre-made broth: Use store-bought chicken broth to skip making it from scratch.

Diced ham: Opt for pre-diced ham to eliminate chopping time.