Warm up your kitchen and your taste buds with a bowl of hearty Mixed Split Pea Soup! This American classic is not only a comforting dish but also a nutritious powerhouse packed with flavor and essential nutrients. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 50 minutes from prep to table, you’ll discover how easy it is to create a delicious meal that will have your family coming back for seconds. Ready to dive into a recipe that’s both satisfying and simple? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed split peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Rinse the mixed split peas thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the rinsed split peas to the pot and stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Check the consistency of the soup. The split peas should be tender and breaking down, creating a thick, creamy texture. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially or fully puree the soup. Alternatively, you can leave it slightly chunky for more texture.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse your mixed split peas under cold water to remove any debris or stones. This step ensures a cleaner and more enjoyable soup.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onions, carrots, and celery until they are fragrant enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Monitor Consistency: Keep an eye on the soup as it simmers. If it becomes too thick, simply add more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Blend for Smoothness: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup partially or fully. If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip this step and enjoy the rustic texture.
- Season to Taste: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. A little seasoning can elevate the flavors significantly.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your soup presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil. It adds a pop of color and freshness!
- Make it Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for a few days and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 11g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
