Description
A hearty and comforting soup made from split peas, vegetables, and seasonings, perfect for a nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Units
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- 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 smoked ham hock or diced smoked turkey (omit for vegetarian)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, pepper, and optional smoked meat.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and soup is thickened.
- Remove bay leaf and meat (if used). If using meat, shred it and return to the soup.
- Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
Notes
- The soup thickens as it cools; add more broth or water when reheating if needed.
- For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg