Wintertime french style split pea soup –There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to comfort the soul, and classic split pea soup is no exception. This hearty dish is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it an ideal meal for chilly days or when you need a quick, satisfying dinner. Below, I’ll share a delightful recipe that you can whip up in no time!
Classic Split Pea Soup
This split pea soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: diced ham or bacon for added flavor
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, bay leaf, and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
- If you’re adding ham or bacon, stir it in at this point.
- Cover and simmer the soup for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the bay leaf, and use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can blend it in batches using a standard blender.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and reheat if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your cozy bowl of classic split pea soup!
This split pea soup is perfect for meal prep too; it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for a few days and can also be frozen for future meals. Give it a try and let the comforting flavors brighten your day!