Violet'S French Split Pea Soup
Violet's French Split Pea Soup offers a hearty, comforting blend of split peas, onions, ham, and melted American cheese, perfect for a cozy meal. Suitable for cold days and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the dried green split peas overnight in water.
- Saute the sliced onions in oil and set aside.
- Cook the ham for 30 minutes.
- Combine the cooked ham and sautéed onions to make a broth.
- Add the soaked peas to the broth and simmer until they are soft and mushy, about 1 hour.
- In the last 5 minutes, add the shredded American cheese and salt.
- Thin the thick mixture with milk or water before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the dried green split peas overnight to ensure they cook evenly. If you don’t have ham on hand, smoked turkey or even a plant-based alternative can provide a similar depth of flavor. Consider sautéing additional vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and taste. You can also experiment with different types of cheese if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with French Boiled Dinner for a cozy, comforting dinner. For a garnish, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top just before serving to enhance the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to restore the soup's consistency, and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Violet'S French Split Pea Soup contains roughly 320 calories, with 13g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (92% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 892mg per serving (39% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this soup to be vegetarian by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of water. Adding smoked paprika can provide a similar smoky flavor that complements the split peas beautifully.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?
If your soup is thinner than desired, you can blend a portion of it with an immersion blender to create a creamier texture. Alternatively, you can simmer it uncovered to reduce the liquid until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
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).