Split Pea Soup

Name: Split Pea Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed; 1 smoked ham hock (or 1 cup diced ham); 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

A thick, hearty American classic made with dried split peas and smoky ham, slow-simmered until velvety smooth. Deeply satisfying on a cold day and even better the next day.

90 minEasyServes 6360 cal/serving

AmericanSoupStovetopHigh ProteinHigh FiberGluten-FreeDairy-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed
1 smoked ham hock (or 1 cup diced ham)
1 yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

1

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes.
2

Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3

Add 2 cups rinsed dried green split peas, 1 smoked ham hock (or 1 cup diced ham), 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 bay leaves, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
4

Cover partially and simmer, stirring occasionally, until split peas are completely soft and beginning to dissolve, about 60 to 75 minutes. Add a splash of water if the soup thickens too much.
5

Remove the ham hock and bay leaves. Pull the meat off the ham hock, shred it, and stir it back into the pot.
6

Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper to taste. The soup will thicken as it cools; add water or broth to reach your preferred consistency.
7

Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Split Pea Soup?

As written, 90 minutes: 15 of prep and 75 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 4 (1 hour 15 minutes): "Cover partially and simmer, stirring occasionally, until split peas are completely soft and beginning to dissolve, about 60 to 75 minutes."

How do I know when Split Pea Soup is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 4: cook until split peas are completely soft and beginning to dissolve.

Is Split Pea Soup gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for Split Pea Soup is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the broth.

How many calories are in Split Pea Soup?

One serving (the recipe makes 6) is about 360 calories, with 20 g protein, 44 g carbohydrate and 7 g fat, plus 8 g fiber and 380 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Can I make Split Pea Soup ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate Split Pea Soup for up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

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