Are you ready to transform a humble handful of split peas into a luxurious, hearty soup that will make your taste buds dance with delight? This Split Pea Soup with Chunky Vegetables isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary journey that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine a steaming bowl of creamy, nutritious goodness packed with tender vegetables and rich, earthy flavors that will transport you to a cozy kitchen on a chilly day.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound split peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin releasing their flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed split peas. Sprinkle in the cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the split peas are completely soft and breaking down, creating a creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and soup to thicken slightly.
- Ladle into warm bowls and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Always rinse your split peas thoroughly to remove any debris and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
- Sauté your vegetables first to develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Don't rush the cooking process—slow simmering is key to achieving that perfect creamy texture.
- If the soup becomes too thick, gradually add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Let the soup rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and thicken naturally.
- For extra richness, consider adding a ham bone or smoked bacon during cooking for a more robust flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
