Split Pea Soup Recipe

Dried split peas: These are the base of the soup, providing a creamy texture and earthy flavor.

Water: Used to cook the peas and create the soup base.

Ham bone: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the soup. You can substitute with ham hocks or bacon if unavailable.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.

Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and aromatic flavor.

Carrots: Adds sweetness and color to the soup.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent aroma.

Dried thyme: Adds a hint of earthiness and complexity.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the flavors.

To enhance the flavor of your split pea soup, consider sautéing the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic in a bit of olive oil or butter before adding them to the pot. This step caramelizes the vegetables, adding a deeper, richer flavor to the soup.

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

• water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more depth and flavor to the soup compared to plain water.

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

• chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.

• chopped celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor that can add a unique twist to the soup.

• chopped carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture but offer a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, more nuanced flavor compared to garlic.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano has a robust flavor that can stand in for thyme in most recipes.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different heat profile and can add a subtle, earthy flavor.

• Allow the split pea soup to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and helps maintain the soup's texture and flavor.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• Label each container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you 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 cool environment will keep the vegetables and ham fresh.
• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its deliciousness.
• 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. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, adjust the consistency by adding a bit more water or broth.
• Always taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes, a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper can revive the flavors beautifully.

• 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 water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
  4. Once heated through, serve hot and enjoy.

• 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, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second intervals if needed.
  5. Stir well before serving.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the leftover split pea soup in the slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once the soup is hot, serve directly from the slow cooker.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour the split pea soup into an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check the temperature and heat longer if necessary.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy.

• Large pot: A large pot is essential for combining and cooking all the ingredients together. It should be big enough to hold 8 cups of water along with the other ingredients.

• Colander: Use a colander to rinse the split peas under cold water, ensuring they are clean before cooking.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the soup as it cooks, helping to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

• Chef's knife: A chef's knife is necessary for chopping the onion, celery, and carrots into small, even pieces.

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

• Measuring cups: Measuring cups are used to accurately measure the water and chopped vegetables to ensure the right proportions.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are needed to measure the thyme, salt, and black pepper precisely.

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

• Tongs: Tongs can be used to remove the ham bone from the soup before chopping any remaining meat off it.

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

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

Use pre-chopped vegetables: Buy chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped carrots to save prep time.

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

Freeze leftovers: Make a large batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.

Use broth instead of water: Substitute water with broth for added flavor and quicker cooking.