Looking for a hearty and healthy soup recipe? Look no further than this delicious split pea soup! Made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, this soup is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy night in. In this article, we'll walk you through the ingredients needed, the marinade, kitchen tools required, how to make and cook the soup, and even answer some frequently asked questions!
Ingredients Needed
Before you start making this soup, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 cups of dried split peas
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Once you have all your ingredients, you can start preparing the marinade.
Marinade
The marinade is what gives this split pea soup its robust flavor. Here's how to prepare it:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the dried split peas and stir for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth, water, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the peas are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Puree the soup in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Kitchen Tools Needed
To prepare this split pea soup, you'll need a few kitchen tools:
- A large pot
- A wooden spoon
- A blender or immersion blender
- A cutting board and knife for chopping the onion and garlic
- A measuring cup and spoon
How to Make Split Pea Soup
Now that you have all the ingredients and kitchen tools ready, it's time to make the soup! Here are the steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the dried split peas and stir for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth, water, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the peas are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Puree the soup in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and serve immediately.
How to Cook Split Pea Soup
Cooking split pea soup is easy, and it's a great way to warm up on a cold day. Here's how to cook it:
- Soak the split peas overnight or for at least 6 hours. Drain and rinse them before using.
- Follow the recipe for making the soup, starting with the marinade.
- Cook the soup for about 45 minutes or until the peas are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Puree the soup in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is split pea soup?
Split pea soup is a soup made from dried split peas, onions, garlic, and other seasonings. It is a hearty and healthy soup that is perfect for cold weather.
What are the benefits of split pea soup?
Split pea soup is a healthy and nutritious soup that is rich in fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients. It can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system.
Is split pea soup vegetarian?
It can be! If you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this split pea soup recipe is vegetarian.
Can I freeze split pea soup?
Yes! Split pea soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing it in an airtight container.
Can I make split pea soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make split pea soup in a slow cooker, follow the recipe for making the marinade, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the peas are tender. Discard the bay leaf and puree the soup before serving.
Is split pea soup gluten-free?
Yes! This split pea soup recipe is gluten-free.
Can I use ham in split pea soup?
Yes! You can add ham to this split pea soup recipe for additional flavor. Simply dice the ham and add it to the soup when you add the broth and water.
Can I add other vegetables to split pea soup?
Yes! You can add other vegetables to this split pea soup recipe, such as carrots or celery. Simply chop them up and add them to the soup when you add the broth and water.
What is the best way to reheat split pea soup?
The best way to reheat split pea soup is on the stove over low heat. Stir the soup occasionally until it is heated through.
Can I make split pea soup without a blender?
Yes! If you don't have a blender or immersion blender, you can use a potato masher to puree the soup. Simply mash the soup until it is smooth.
Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?
Yes! You can use yellow split peas instead of green in this split pea soup recipe. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
What can I serve with split pea soup?
Split pea soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
How many calories are in split pea soup?
The number of calories in split pea soup depends on the recipe and serving size. This split pea soup recipe contains approximately 250 calories per serving.
Is split pea soup spicy?
No! This split pea soup recipe is not spicy. If you prefer a little heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Can I use bacon instead of olive oil?
Yes! You can use bacon instead of olive oil in this split pea soup recipe for additional flavor. Simply cook the bacon until crispy, remove it from the pot, and sauté the onion and garlic in the bacon fat.
Is split pea soup low-carb?
No! Split pea soup is not low-carb. However, it is a healthy and nutritious soup that is rich in fiber and protein.
Can I use an Instant Pot to make split pea soup?
Yes! To make split pea soup in an Instant Pot, follow the recipe for making the marinade, then add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes, then release the pressure manually. Discard the bay leaf and puree the soup before serving.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of broth?
Yes! You can use vegetable stock instead of chicken or vegetable broth in this split pea soup recipe.
What is the best way to store split pea soup?
The best way to store split pea soup is in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I use a pressure cooker to make split pea soup?
Yes! To make split pea soup in a pressure cooker, follow the recipe for making the marinade, then add all the ingredients to the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure