German Split Pea Soup
German Split Pea Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender split peas, smoky bacon, and savory ham hock. Flavored with onions, potatoes, and thyme, it offers a rich, smoky taste perfect for cold days. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings craving warm, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice the salt bacon and sauté it with the diced onion until browned.
- Add all ingredients—including the bacon and onion mixture, ham hock, potatoes, split peas, water, thyme, onion soup mix, and chopped knockwurst hot dogs—into a Dutch oven.
- Cook for 6 hours, stirring occasionally if desired, until the peas and other ingredients are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using smoked ham hocks for a richer flavor. If salt bacon is unavailable, you can substitute with pancetta or regular bacon. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if the soup becomes too thick. For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and use vegetable broth with smoked paprika for flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or German Potato Salad (Kartoffelsalat) for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside a light salad or some pickled vegetables to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened. This soup freezes well; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Split Pea Soup contains roughly 96 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 810mg per serving (35% 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 other types of legumes instead of split peas?
While split peas are traditional for this recipe, you could experiment with lentils or even chickpeas. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary; lentils generally cook faster than split peas, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is tender.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the salt bacon and ham hock. Replace the water with vegetable broth for a rich flavor, and add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky taste of the meats. You can also enhance the umami flavor with mushrooms or nutritional yeast.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, and even kale can be great additions to this soup. Just chop them into small pieces and add them along with the potatoes. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds more texture and flavor to the dish.
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).