Chippewa Soup
Chippewa Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the earthiness of green split peas with the sweetness of carrots, onions, and celery. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, including curry powder, this soup is perfect for a cozy family meal or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 qt. carrots, diced ⓘ
- 2 qt. onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 qt. celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 lb. green split peas ⓘ
- 2 qt. tomato puree ⓘ
- 6 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 gal. water ⓘ
- 10 oz. smoked ham ⓘ
- 2 potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 1 oz. marjoram ⓘ
- 1 oz. basil ⓘ
- 1 oz. oregano ⓘ
- 1 oz. thyme ⓘ
- 4 bay leaves ⓘ
- 4 oz. curry powder ⓘ
- Salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak the split peas overnight.
- In a large pot (preferably 3-4 gallons), heat a small amount of oil until very hot.
- Add the carrots, onions, and celery and sweat the vegetables.
- Add the garlic and sweat a few more minutes.
- Add the curry powder to the vegetables and stir until curry is thoroughly mixed with the vegetables.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the pot.
- Bring this to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for approximately three hours. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Remove the bay leaves and puree the soup through a food mill or in an electric blender. Chill thoroughly.
- This is the base for Chippewa Soup.
- It should be slightly salty because it is the base and needs to be creamed before use.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked paprika in place of some curry powder. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the smoked ham and add extra vegetables like mushrooms for umami. Soaking the split peas overnight is crucial for a smoother texture, but if you're short on time, a quick soak method can work as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chippewa Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Green Beans Marinated or a hearty New Year'S Casserole for a comforting feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chippewa Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chippewa Soup contains roughly 2197 calories, with 92g protein, 417g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (704% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (184% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1232mg per serving (54% 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 dried herbs instead of fresh herbs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh. A general rule is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs since they are more concentrated. For this recipe, use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb instead of 1 ounce of fresh.
How can I thicken the soup if it turns out too thin?
If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by pureeing a portion of it and stirring it back into the pot. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the soup, cooking until thickened. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning afterward.
Is it necessary to puree the soup?
While pureeing the soup creates a smooth consistency, it's not strictly necessary. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step and serve it as is. Just ensure that the vegetables are cooked until tender for the best flavor and texture.
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).