Best Split Pea Soup
A hearty, flavorful split pea soup with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for vegetarians seeking a nutritious, savory dish.
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry green split peas ⓘ
- 5 cups water ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 3 cloves crushed garlic ⓘ
- 1 cup minced celery ⓘ
- 1 small, thinly sliced potato ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1/4 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- few drops sesame oil ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine dry green split peas, water, bay leaf, and salt; simmer, covered, for 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Sauté minced onion, crushed garlic, minced celery, sliced potato, and sliced carrots in oil.
- Add a little water if necessary to steam the vegetables until tender.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the soup and continue simmering.
- About 5 minutes before serving, add red wine, dry mustard, thyme, and a few drops of sesame oil.
- Just before serving, stir in vinegar, chopped tomatoes, and chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the vegetables. If you don't have dry red wine, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or omit it entirely. Consider adding a smoked sausage for an extra flavor boost. This recipe is also perfect for batch cooking, making it a great addition to your meal prep rotation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the split pea soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a Winter Sherbet for dessert. For added texture, top each bowl with croutons or a dollop of sour cream. You can also sprinkle some extra fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth if the soup has thickened. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months, letting it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Split Pea Soup contains roughly 2205 calories, with 9g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 221g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (122% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1467mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?
Yes, yellow split peas can be used as a substitute for green split peas. They have a slightly sweeter flavor and will yield a lighter-colored soup, but the cooking method remains the same. Adjust seasoning as needed to match your taste preferences.
Is this split pea soup vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. If you're looking for more vegan recipes, this soup is a hearty choice packed with nutrients. Just ensure the broth you use is vegetable-based if you're adding any liquid.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider including red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables. A dash of hot sauce can also enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish. Adjust the spice level to your liking for a more robust flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).