Split Pea Soup - A Cozy Quick Dinner
Warm up your evenings with this hearty Split Pea Soup, a perfect quick dinner that’s both comforting and nutritious. Made with tender split peas, vibrant vegetables, and savory seasonings, this thick, flavorful soup comes together in just over an hour. Ideal for chilly nights or using up leftover ham, this Split Pea Soup fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and satisfies the whole family. Follow our easy recipe to create this wholesome quick dinner that’s as simple to make as it is delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried split green peas rinsed and drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 medium potato peeled and diced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup diced ham optional, for a meatier soup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice optional, for brightness
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Incorporate Potatoes and Thyme: Add 1 diced potato and 1 tsp dried thyme, stirring to combine.
- Add Peas and Broth: Add 1 cup rinsed split peas, 5 cups broth, 1 bay leaf, and 1 cup diced ham (if using). Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and the soup is thickened.
- Blend (Optional): Remove the bay leaf. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, keep it chunky.
- Season and Serve: Stir in 1 tsp lemon juice (optional) for brightness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve hot with crusty bread as a cozy quick dinner.
Notes
- Sauté Slowly: Cook onions until soft and translucent to build a flavorful base for this quick dinner.
- Stir Occasionally: Prevent sticking as the soup thickens, especially toward the end of cooking.
- Creamy Texture: Blend partially for a velvety consistency or leave chunky for a rustic feel.
- Brighten Flavors: A splash of lemon juice at the end enhances the soup’s freshness.
- Check Peas: Ensure split peas are fully tender before serving; extend simmer time if needed.