How to Make a Hearty Split Pea Soup for Dinner: A Simple Guide
On a chilly evening, is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of soup? Split pea soup is a classic dish that’s not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that can make your dinner feel like a hearty hug. If you’ve never tried making it at home because it sounds complex, worry not! This simple guide will walk you through making a delicious split pea soup that’ll become a staple for your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s ensure you have everything you need. For this soup, you’ll require:
- 1 cup of dried split peas
- 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (your preference)
- 1 medium-sized onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup of diced ham or bacon bits
- Olive oil
Step 1: Preparing the Split Peas
The first step is to prep your split peas. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dust or debris. You don’t need to soak them beforehand, as split peas cook fairly quickly compared to other legumes. Once rinsed, set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until the onions are translucent and the vegetables start to soften—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 3: Adding the Peas and Broth
Now, it’s time to add the rinsed split peas to the pot along with the chicken or vegetable broth. If you’re using meat like ham or bacon, this is the time to add it as well. Throw in the bay leaf and dried thyme for some extra flavor. Give everything a good stir.
Step 4: Let It Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot partially with a lid, allowing some steam to escape. Let the soup simmer for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. During this time, the peas will soften and begin to break down, which thickens the soup naturally. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Seasoning the Soup
Once the peas are soft and the soup has thickened to your liking, it’s time to season. Remove the bay leaf, as its job is done. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick for your preference, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
Step 6: Blending (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then mix it back into the pot. This step is optional, as some people enjoy the chunky texture of the vegetables and peas.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, your hearty split pea soup is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot, maybe with some crusty bread on the side for dipping. This soup also stores well, so you can enjoy the leftovers. Just let the soup cool down before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for future meals.
Conclusion:
Making a hearty split pea soup for dinner is simpler than it seems, and the results are worth the effort. This nutritious, comforting meal is perfect for cold nights or whenever you need a warm, satisfying dish. It’s a wholesome, easy-to-make recipe that will keep you and your loved ones happy and full. So why not give it a try tonight? You might just find your new favorite soup recipe.
