Split Pea Soup Recipe

Split peas: These dried legumes are the base of the soup, providing a creamy texture and earthy flavor.

Ham bone: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the soup. You can find it in the meat section or ask your butcher.

Carrots: Adds sweetness and color to the soup.

Celery: Provides a subtle, aromatic flavor and crunch.

Onion: Adds depth and a slight sweetness to the soup.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent and aromatic qualities.

Chicken broth: Forms the base liquid for the soup, adding a savory depth.

Water: Helps to adjust the consistency of the soup.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth to the soup.

When preparing split peas, it's crucial to rinse them thoroughly to remove any debris or dust. To enhance the flavor of your split pea soup, consider sautéing the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the pot. This step can help to deepen the overall flavor profile of the soup. Additionally, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup once it's cooked, leaving some chunks for a hearty consistency.

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

• ham bone - Substitute with smoked turkey leg: Smoked turkey leg provides a similar smoky flavor and meaty texture to the soup.

• diced carrots - Substitute with diced sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a slightly different but complementary sweetness and texture to the soup.

• diced celery - Substitute with diced fennel: Fennel adds a subtle anise flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the soup.

• chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a different depth to the soup.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that can be a good alternative to garlic.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version of the soup while still providing a rich flavor.

• water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Using more vegetable broth instead of water can enhance the flavor of the soup.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a different layer of umami flavor while still providing the necessary saltiness.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a slightly different heat and flavor profile, which can add a unique twist to the soup.

• Allow the split pea soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery soup.

• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.

• Label each container with the date. 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 soup within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, making the soup even more delicious.

• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its hearty flavor and texture.

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

• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

• If you find the soup needs a flavor boost after reheating, season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Pour the leftover split pea soup into a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
  4. Once the soup is heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the split pea soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. If the soup is not hot enough, continue to heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before serving to ensure even heating.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Pour the leftover split pea soup into the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Cover and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add a bit of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
  5. Once heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the split pea soup to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check if the soup is heated through; if not, continue to heat in 10-minute increments.
  6. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

• Large pot: A large pot is essential for combining all the ingredients and allowing the soup to simmer properly.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the soup occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

• Measuring cups: Measuring cups are necessary to accurately measure the carrots, celery, and onion.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to measure the salt and pepper to taste.

• Chef's knife: A chef's knife is needed to chop the vegetables and any meat from the ham bone.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping the vegetables and meat.

• Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the hot soup into bowls.

• Tongs: Tongs can be used to remove the ham bone from the pot safely.

• Garlic press: A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic cloves efficiently.

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

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of chopping fresh cloves.

Instant pot method: Use an Instant Pot to cook the soup in a fraction of the time.

Store-bought broth: Opt for pre-made chicken broth to skip the step of making it from scratch.

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