Green Or Yellow Split Pea Soup

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

A hearty and comforting split pea soup full of rich flavors from vegetables and thyme, perfect for warming up on cool days and suitable for vegetarian diets.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. split peas
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 carrots
  • 3 stalks celery
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic
  • 2 small white turnips
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 qt. water
  • 1 Tbsp. thyme

Instructions

  1. Wash the split peas and finely chop all vegetables including onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and turnips.
  2. Place the peas and all chopped vegetables into a large pot with water.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
  4. Cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add thyme towards the end of cooking and stir well.
  6. Once the peas are tender and the soup is hearty, serve hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in the margarine before adding the other vegetables. You can substitute vegetable broth for water for added depth. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup after cooking. Adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the presentation. This soup pairs beautifully with Crunchy Cucumber Pickles for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop, adding a little water if the soup is too thick.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Green Or Yellow Split Pea Soup contains roughly 1980 calories, with 49g protein, 259g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (205% of the Daily Value), iron (124% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1980 kcal 99% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 48.5g 97% DV
Total Fat 85.8g 100% DV
Carbs 259.3g 94% DV
Fiber 30.5g 100% DV
Sugar 39g 78% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 2065.8mg 44% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1844.4mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 56.8mg 63% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 372.9mg 29% DV
Iron 22.3mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 split peas instead of fresh?

Yes, dried split peas are perfect for this recipe. Just ensure they are rinsed well before using. The cooking time remains the same, but if they are older, they may take a bit longer to soften.

Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?

Absolutely! Simply replace the margarine with a vegan butter alternative or olive oil. This recipe is already vegan-friendly, making it a great option for those following vegan recipes.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Certainly! You can add diced ham or bacon for extra flavor. Just add it after the vegetables have softened, allowing it to simmer with the soup for a richer taste.

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).

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