Polish Split Pea Soup(Do Not Stir This Soup)
A hearty and flavorful Polish Split Pea Soup combining tender split peas, smoky ham hocks, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Rich and comforting, it suits those who enjoy rustic, nourishing dishes with a hint of smoky depth and vibrant vegetable flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. split peas ⓘ
- 10 c. cold water
- 2 large potatoes ⓘ
- 6 to 8 stalks celery ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 lb. ham hocks
- 2 medium onions ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. McCormick soup greens ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 8 oz. cubed bacon ⓘ
- 2 oz. butter ⓘ
- 2 c. croutons
- 1 can beef consomme ⓘ
- 2 to 3 Tbsp. Maggi sauce
- 1 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 1 large acorn squash ⓘ
- 1 c. fresh tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. pearl barley
- 1 garlic clove ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- pinch marjoram ⓘ
- pinch thyme ⓘ
- pinch allspice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped scallion tops ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Pickapeppa sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 6 c. beef stock ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash the split peas in cold water and set aside.
- In a large pot, combine the split peas with cold water and bring to a boil.
- Add the ham hocks, potatoes, celery, onions, garlic, bay leaf, marjoram, thyme, and allspice to the pot.
- Simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
- While the soup cooks, in a separate skillet, cook the cubed bacon until crispy, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the peeled, seeded tomatoes, acorn squash meat, and pearl barley until lightly browned.
- Add the sautéed mixture to the soup along with beef consomme, Maggi sauce, Pickapeppa sauce, sugar, and shredded squash meat.
- Continue simmering for an additional 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally without stirring the soup itself.
- Remove the ham hocks, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the chopped scallion tops and warmed sherry just before serving.
- Serve hot with croutons on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute ham hocks with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock. If split peas are not available, yellow peas can be a good alternative. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and consider adding a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat. To enhance the flavor, you can sauté the onions before adding them to the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with a sprinkle of croutons on top for added crunch. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside Borscht (Beet Soup) for a colorful and flavorful combination that your guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Polish Split Pea Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if the soup has thickened too much. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it's fully cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polish Split Pea Soup(Do Not Stir This Soup) contains roughly 1176 calories, with 36g protein, 215g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (141% of the Daily Value), protein (72% of the Daily Value), and iron (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1403mg per serving (61% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh. Generally, use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Just add them at the same time as the fresh herbs in the recipe to allow the flavors to meld.
What can I substitute for the ham hocks if I want a vegetarian option?
For a vegetarian alternative, you can use smoked tofu or tempeh to replicate the smoky flavor. Additionally, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to enhance the depth of flavor in the soup.
How can I thicken the soup if it turns out too watery?
If your soup is too watery, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or a regular blender and then return it to the pot. Alternatively, you can add a bit more pearl barley and let it cook longer, which will absorb excess liquid and thicken the soup.
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).