Hearty Split Pea Soup with Crispy Pork Belly: A Flavorful Comfort Food Recipe

Split pea soup is a classic comfort food, often associated with warmth, simplicity, and hearty satisfaction. While traditionally made with ham, this recipe elevates the dish with the addition of succulent and crispy pork belly, adding a layer of richness and textural contrast that transforms the soup into a truly special meal. This recipe provides detailed instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. Get ready to savor a bowl of pure deliciousness!

Why This Recipe Works

This split pea soup recipe stands out for several reasons:

* **Pork Belly Magic:** The star of the show is undoubtedly the pork belly. Slow-cooking it renders the fat, resulting in incredibly tender meat and crispy skin. This crispy pork belly provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy soup.
* **Depth of Flavor:** Instead of relying solely on ham hock, we use a combination of aromatics, vegetables, and pork belly to build layers of flavor. Sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth intensifies their sweetness and depth.
* **Creamy Texture:** The split peas break down beautifully as they cook, creating a naturally creamy and satisfying texture without the need for heavy cream.
* **Simple Ingredients:** While the recipe appears sophisticated, it relies on readily available ingredients that you can easily find in your local grocery store.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Split pea soup is even better the next day, as the flavors meld and deepen. This makes it an ideal dish for meal prepping or entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients required to make this delectable split pea soup with crispy pork belly. Precise measurements are provided to ensure consistent results.

**For the Pork Belly:**

* 1. 5 lb (700g) pork belly, skin on
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

**For the Soup:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 pound (450g) dried green split peas, rinsed
* 8 cups (2 liters) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
* 2 bay leaves
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right equipment on hand will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of essential tools:

* Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
* Large skillet or frying pan
* Cutting board
* Chef’s knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Ladle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a truly memorable split pea soup with crispy pork belly. Each step is explained clearly to ensure success.

Part 1: Preparing the Pork Belly

1. **Score the Pork Belly Skin:** Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife or a box cutter, score the skin in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Scoring helps render the fat and create crispy skin.
2. **Season the Pork Belly:** In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the mixture all over the pork belly, ensuring even coverage, especially on the skin.
3. **Sear the Pork Belly (Optional but Recommended):** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the pork belly skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This step adds extra flavor and texture. Remove the pork belly from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Slow Cook the Pork Belly:** Place the seared (or unseared) pork belly in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Add enough water to cover the pork belly by about an inch. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the pork belly is very tender. The pork belly is ready when a fork easily pierces through the meat.
5. **Crisp the Pork Belly Skin (Oven Method):** Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the pork belly from the cooking liquid and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pat the skin dry with paper towels. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the skin is puffed up and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
6. **Crisp the Pork Belly Skin (Pan Fry Method):** Alternatively, after removing the pork belly from the cooking liquid, you can crisp the skin in a skillet. Heat a tablespoon of oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Place the pork belly skin-side down and cook until the skin is puffed and crispy. This method requires close attention to prevent burning.
7. **Rest and Dice:** Let the pork belly rest for 10 minutes before dicing it into small cubes. Set aside for later use.

Part 2: Making the Split Pea Soup

1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In the same Dutch oven or pot (after removing the pork belly and its cooking liquid), heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. **Add Garlic and Spices:** Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried marjoram, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. **Add Split Peas and Broth:** Add the rinsed split peas, chicken broth (or vegetable broth), and bay leaves to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the split peas are very tender and have broken down, creating a creamy texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. **Blend (Optional):** For an even smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, being careful to vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
5. **Season and Adjust:** Stir in the apple cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Add the diced pork belly to the soup and stir to combine. Reserve some crispy pork belly for garnish.
6. **Serve:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and the reserved crispy pork belly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Split Pea Soup

* **Rinse the Split Peas:** Rinsing the split peas before cooking helps remove any debris and excess starch, which can contribute to a gummy texture.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:** Use a large enough pot to allow the split peas to cook evenly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a less creamy texture.
* **Simmer, Don’t Boil:** Simmering the soup gently allows the split peas to break down gradually and create a smoother, creamier texture. Boiling can cause the split peas to scorch and stick to the bottom of the pot.
* **Adjust the Broth:** If the soup becomes too thick, add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
* **Don’t Skip the Apple Cider Vinegar:** A splash of apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity that brightens the flavors of the soup and balances the richness of the pork belly.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the pork belly. You can add smoked paprika to the soup to mimic the smoky flavor of the pork.
* **Storage:** Leftover split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Additions

This split pea soup recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations and additions to consider:

* **Smoked Ham Hock:** For a more traditional flavor, add a smoked ham hock to the soup along with the split peas and broth. Remove the ham hock after the soup has cooked and shred the meat before adding it back to the soup.
* **Other Vegetables:** Experiment with adding other vegetables such as potatoes, turnips, or parsnips to the soup.
* **Spices:** Adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cumin, coriander, or chili powder for extra warmth and flavor.
* **Herbs:** Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage can be added to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a brighter flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
* **Coconut Milk:** For a richer and creamier soup, stir in a can of coconut milk at the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Split pea soup with crispy pork belly is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Crusty Bread:** Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic pairing that adds extra comfort and satisfaction.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
* **Crackers:** Serve with your favorite crackers for a quick and easy meal.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for this split pea soup with crispy pork belly will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. However, a typical serving of this soup is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. It is also relatively high in sodium and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion

This split pea soup with crispy pork belly is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. The combination of tender split peas, savory broth, and crispy pork belly creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!