Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is a hearty and nutritious dish made with dried split peas, vegetables, and broth. It's typically flavored with herbs like thyme and bay leaves, making it a comforting and satisfying meal, especially in colder months. The soup is easy to prepare and cook, requiring only basic ingredients like onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, making it a perfect option for a wholesome, vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Split peas lb, dried, rinsed and sorted
- 2 Olive oil tbsp
- 1 Onion large, diced
- 3 Carrots chopped
- 3 Celery stalks, chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- Ham hock or diced ham optional, for extra flavor
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 Thyme tsp, dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 Vegetable or chicken broth cups
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
- Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the rinsed split peas to the pot.
- Add the broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot.
- If using, add the ham hock or diced ham.
Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
- Cover and let it simmer for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and begin to break down.
Season
- Remove the bay leaf (and ham hock, if used).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, blend part of it with an immersion blender.