Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup

why make this recipe

Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup is a dish that many people adore, and for good reason! It is warm, hearty, and nutritious, making it perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe is special because it is both budget-friendly and easy to prepare, using simple ingredients you might already have at home. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something warm and fulfilling. This soup is also kid-approved, making it ideal for family meals!

how to make Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup

Step-by-step overview

Making Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup is a straightforward process that involves a few key steps. Here’s how it all comes together:

1. Start by prepping your ingredients: Dice the onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes.
2. Heat oil in a pot: Add the onions and sauté until they become translucent.
3. Add the seasoning and split peas: Stir in the garlic, thyme, bay leaves, celery, and split peas, then cook for a couple of minutes.
4. Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, cover, and let the soup simmer until the peas soften.
5. Mix in the vegetables: Add your potatoes and carrots, then continue cooking until everything is tender.
6. Adjust and serve: Check for seasoning, thin if necessary, remove the bay leaves, and serve hot.

Ingredients

• 16 oz Green Split Peas
• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 medium Yellow or Yukon Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 3 ribs Celery (diced)
• 2 Tbsp Neutral Oil (like Avocado oil)
• 2 small Carrots (diced)
• 2 tsp Fresh Thyme (chopped)
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 6 cups Vegetable Broth (or Vegan Chicken Broth)
• 2 cups Water (as needed to thin)
• 3 dashes Liquid Smoke (or more, to taste)
• 1 pinch Salt & Pepper (or more, to taste)

how to serve Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup

Serve the soup warm in bowls and consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or crispy croutons for added texture. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

how to store Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

tips to make Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup

1. For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender.
2. Customize the flavor by adjusting the amount of liquid smoke. Adding a bit more can enhance the smoky taste.
3. Add more vegetables: Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies like green beans or zucchini for extra nutrients.

variation

For a non-vegetarian version, you can add diced ham or bacon to the soup for additional flavor. This can be done after sautéing the onions for a more robust taste.

FAQs

Can I use dried split peas or canned peas?
You should use dried split peas for this recipe, as canned peas won’t provide the same thick texture and flavor.

How thick should the soup be?
The thickness is a personal preference. If you prefer a thicker soup, use less water or cook it longer to reduce it. If you like it thinner, add water as needed.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, and enjoy a hands-off cooking method.

Comforting Classic Split Pea Soup

A warm, hearty, and nutritious split pea soup that's budget-friendly and easy to prepare, perfect for cozy meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Dish, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 16 oz Green Split Peas
• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 medium Yellow or Yukon Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 3 ribs Celery (diced)
• 2 Tbsp Neutral Oil (like Avocado oil)
• 2 small Carrots (diced)
• 2 tsp Fresh Thyme (chopped)
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 6 cups Vegetable Broth (or Vegan Chicken Broth)
• 2 cups Water (as needed to thin)
• 3 dashes Liquid Smoke (or more, to taste)
• 1 pinch Salt & Pepper (or more, to taste)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by prepping your ingredients: Dice the onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes.
2. Heat oil in a pot: Add the onions and sauté until they become translucent.

Cooking

1. Add the seasoning and split peas: Stir in the garlic, thyme, bay leaves, celery, and split peas, then cook for a couple of minutes.
2. Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, cover, and let the soup simmer until the peas soften.
3. Mix in the vegetables: Add your potatoes and carrots, then continue cooking until everything is tender.
4. Adjust and serve: Check for seasoning, thin if necessary, remove the bay leaves, and serve hot.

Notes

Serve the soup warm in bowls and consider garnishing with fresh thyme or crispy croutons for added texture. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender. Customize the flavor by adjusting liquid smoke. Add more vegetables for extra nutrients. For a non-vegetarian version, add diced ham or bacon for additional flavor after sautéing onions.