Description
A comforting and hearty Classic Split Pea Soup made with green split peas, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This nutritious soup is perfect for a cozy meal, offering a creamy texture with the option to blend partially for added creaminess or serve chunky for more bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened, which helps build the soup’s base flavor.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional minute until they become fragrant, releasing their aroma into the soup.
- Add Split Peas and Broth: Stir in the rinsed split peas and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil to kickstart the cooking process.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes. Stir occasionally until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Blend for Creaminess (Optional): Remove the bay leaf. For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. Alternatively, leave it chunky for a heartier consistency according to your preference.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting classic.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the split peas well before cooking to remove any debris or dust.
- The soup thickens as it cools; you can add a bit more vegetable broth or water if it becomes too thick.
- For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- This soup freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer a meaty version, adding diced ham or smoked sausage works well, though this version is vegetarian.
