Yellow Split-Pea Soup With Kielbasa(My Favorite Winter Soup - A Meal In Itself)
A hearty and comforting winter soup featuring tender yellow split peas and savory kielbasa. Rich in flavor and nutritious, it makes a satisfying meal perfect for cold days. This dish combines smoky sausage with creamy peas, appealing to those who enjoy warm, wholesome comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy kettle, cook the sliced onion in the butter over moderately low heat, stirring until softened.
- Add the rinsed split peas, sliced carrots, sliced celery, sliced kielbasa, bay leaf, and 2 1/2 quarts of water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, skimming off the froth, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Discard the bay leaf and transfer the cooked kielbasa with a slotted spoon to a plate.
- In batches, puree the soup mixture in a blender until smooth.
- Return the pureed soup to the kettle and thin with hot water to desired consistency.
- Cut the kielbasa into 1/4-inch thick slices, then quarter each slice.
- Add the sliced kielbasa to the soup, season with salt and pepper, and heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the kielbasa with smoked tempeh or omit it entirely, enhancing flavor with smoked paprika. Adjust the consistency by adding more water or vegetable broth as needed. This soup also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad, such as Herbed Carrot Potato Salad, for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Gruyere Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water if it has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yellow Split-Pea Soup With Kielbasa(My Favorite Winter Soup - A Meal In Itself) contains roughly 612 calories, with 12g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (299% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value), and potassium (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 857mg per serving (37% 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 sausage instead of kielbasa?
Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with other smoked sausages like andouille or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, depending on the sausage you choose.
Is it necessary to puree the soup?
Puréeing the soup creates a smooth and creamy texture that enhances the overall experience. However, if you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step and simply adjust the cooking time to ensure the peas are tender.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it ahead of time, store in the refrigerator, and reheat when you're ready to serve for a comforting meal.
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).