Best Ever Split Pea Soup: A Hearty and Delicious Recipe

Split pea soup is a classic comfort food, perfect for a chilly day. This recipe is for the *Best Ever* Split Pea Soup, boasting incredible flavor and a creamy texture. Forget bland, watery soup – this version is packed with savory goodness, thanks to a combination of simple yet effective techniques and ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a truly satisfying meal. This recipe is customizable to your preference. It may be served with some crusty bread or crackers.

## Why This Recipe Works

Several factors contribute to the success of this split pea soup:

* **Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a difference. Opt for good-quality broth, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings.
* **Proper Sautéing:** Sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth deepens their flavor and adds complexity to the soup.
* **Ham Hock (Optional but Recommended):** A ham hock infuses the soup with smoky, savory goodness. If you don’t have a ham hock, you can substitute with smoked sausage or bacon, but the ham hock truly makes the recipe sing.
* **Simmering Time:** Allowing the soup to simmer for a sufficient amount of time breaks down the split peas and creates a creamy, smooth texture. Rushing the simmering process will result in a grainy soup.
* **Blending (Optional):** While not strictly necessary, a quick blend with an immersion blender at the end creates an even creamier texture. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the soup gluey.
* **Seasoning:** Properly seasoning the soup is crucial. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process.

## Ingredients

* 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 pound) – *Optional, but highly recommended*
* 8 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
* 2 cups water
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, croutons, a swirl of cream
* Optional diced ham for adding at the end.

## Equipment

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Immersion blender (optional)

## Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Split Peas

Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water. Pick out any debris or stones. While soaking isn’t strictly necessary for split peas, it can shorten the cooking time slightly. If you choose to soak, do so for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, in cold water. Drain well before using.

### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

### Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Add the rinsed split peas, ham hock (if using), chicken broth, water, dried thyme, dried marjoram, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.

### Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Simmer the soup for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the split peas are completely broken down and the soup has reached your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The exact cooking time will depend on the age and quality of the split peas. If the soup becomes too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.

### Step 5: Remove the Ham Hock (If Using)

After the soup has simmered, carefully remove the ham hock from the pot. Place it on a cutting board and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone and discard the skin, fat, and bone. Return the shredded ham to the soup.

### Step 6: Blend (Optional)

If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the soup gluey. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, but be sure to vent the lid to prevent pressure from building up.

### Step 7: Season and Serve

Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf. Add diced ham here if you are adding it instead of ham hock. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, croutons, or a swirl of cream, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

## Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup

* **Don’t overcook the garlic:** Burnt garlic will make the entire soup taste bitter.
* **Adjust the liquid:** If the soup becomes too thick during simmering, add more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
* **Taste and adjust seasoning:** Seasoning is key to a flavorful soup. Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly. Remember that the ham hock (if using) will add salt, so be mindful of that when seasoning.
* **Use a ham hock:** While optional, a ham hock adds incredible smoky flavor to the soup. If you can’t find a ham hock, smoked sausage or bacon can be used as a substitute, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
* **Soak the split peas (optional):** Soaking the split peas can shorten the cooking time slightly, but it’s not strictly necessary.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, leeks, or turnips. You can also adjust the herbs and spices to your liking.
* **Make it vegetarian/vegan:** To make a vegetarian or vegan version of this soup, simply omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of the ham hock. Consider using a plant-based protein addition like smoked tempeh to add some richness.
* **Leftovers:** Split pea soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

## Variations

* **Spicy Split Pea Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
* **Curried Split Pea Soup:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder to the soup during the sautéing process for a warm, aromatic flavor.
* **Split Pea Soup with Sausage:** Substitute the ham hock with smoked sausage, such as kielbasa or andouille sausage. Brown the sausage before adding it to the soup.
* **Split Pea and Ham Soup:** Add diced cooked ham to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a heartier meal.
* **Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup:** Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve with crusty bread, sourdough bread, or crackers for dipping.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt.
* Serve as a starter or a main course.
* Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
* Add a swirl of cream or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
* Top with homemade croutons for added texture.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)

* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
* Protein: 20-25 grams per serving
* Fat: 10-15 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams per serving
* Fiber: 15-20 grams per serving

Split pea soup is a healthy and nutritious meal, rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. It’s also a great source of iron and folate.

## Make Ahead and Storage

This split pea soup is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors meld together even more as it sits. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

## Conclusion

This recipe for Best Ever Split Pea Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality soup in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of the best split pea soup you’ve ever tasted! The hearty flavors and creamy texture of this soup are certain to make it a family favorite. Enjoy!