Green Split-Pea Soup
A hearty and comforting green split-pea soup infused with smoky bacon and ham hock, packed with vegetables and rich flavors. Perfect for chilly days or family gatherings, this soup offers a creamy texture with smoky and savory notes, appealing to both meat lovers and veggie enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon in a 5-quart pan until crispy.
- Remove bacon, drain excess fat, and save 1 1/2 tablespoons of bacon grease.
- Add chopped onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery to the pan.
- Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add dried green split-peas, smoked ham hock, water, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer covered for 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove the ham hock, cut off the meat, and return it to the soup.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and set aside.
- Garnish the soup with crumbled bacon and toasted croutons before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the bacon and ham hock with smoked paprika and vegetable broth. You can also use yellow split peas if green are unavailable. Be sure to rinse the peas thoroughly to remove any dirt before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the green split-pea soup with a side of toasted croutons for added crunch. A fresh garden salad, like Spinach And Lettuce Salad, complements the soup nicely. For a heartier meal, pair it with a sandwich, such as a classic grilled cheese. This dish also makes a comforting option for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover split-pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency if necessary. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Split-Pea Soup contains roughly 923 calories, with 18g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2469mg per serving (107% 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 make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely make this green split-pea soup in a slow cooker! Simply sauté the bacon and vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the peas are tender.
How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, simply blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender before serving. For a thinner consistency, add more water or broth during cooking. Adjust according to your preference for the perfect texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like potatoes, leeks, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as different vegetables may require varying amounts of time to become tender.
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).