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Split Pea Soup

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free broth)

Description

This hearty split pea soup is comfort in a bowl thick, cozy, and naturally creamy with a gentle smoky flavor from paprika. It comes together with simple pantry staples and slow simmers into a nourishing, protein-packed meal. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s satisfying enough to stand alone yet light enough to pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dried green split peas, rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (or more as needed)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold running water. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
  5. Add the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir to combine.
  6. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and maintain a steady simmer.
  7. Simmer uncovered for 45–50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Add a splash of extra broth or water if it becomes too thick.
  8. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. For a smoother, creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup directly in the pot, or transfer a portion to a blender and pulse carefully, then return it to the pot.
  10. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

  • If you prefer a thinner soup, stir in extra vegetable broth or water at the end until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • For deeper flavor, let the soup rest for 10–15 minutes before serving; it thickens and the flavors meld as it sits.
  • This soup continues to thicken as it cools. When reheating, loosen with a splash of broth or water.
  • Use low-sodium vegetable broth if you want more control over the salt level.
  • Taste and adjust the smoked paprika at the end if you’d like a more pronounced smoky note.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g (approx.)
  • Sodium: 600 mg (approx., depends on broth)
  • Fat: 5 g (approx.)
  • Saturated Fat: 0.8 g (approx.)
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g (approx.)
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g (approx.)
  • Fiber: 13 g (approx.)
  • Protein: 11 g (approx.)
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: split pea soup, hearty soup, vegan soup, smoky split pea, vegetable soup, comfort food, weeknight dinner

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Find it online: https://averyrecipes.com/split-pea-soup/