Split Pea Soup

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)
Enjoy this hearty and healthy split pea soup made with simple ingredients. Perfect for stovetop or a slow cooker. Try variations with ham, potato, or spices like curry powder. This vegetarian option is freezer-friendly and makes a great healthy soup.
Course Soups and Chilis
Servings 8 1 cup

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dry split peas (green or yellow)
  • 2 cups carrots, peel and cut into ¼-inch slices (1 large carrot is about ½ cup sliced)
  • 1 cup onion, ¼-inch chop (1 medium onion is about 1 cup chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (1 garlic clove is about 1 teaspoon minced or ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder)
  • 1 cup celery, ¼-inch dice (1 medium celery stalk is about ½ cup diced)
  • 2 tablespoons oil (canola, olive, or vegetable)
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 7 cups low-sodium broth (chicken or vegetable)

Optional Variations

  • 1 cup cooked chopped ham, ham bone, or smoked ham hock
  • 1 cup potato, peel and cut into ¼-inch pieces (1 medium potato is about 1 cup)
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric

Instructions
 

  • Clean the kitchen area and wash hands with soap and water.
  • Sort and rinse split peas; set aside.
  • Gently rub produce under cold running water. Scrub firm produce with a clean vegetable brush under cold running water.
  • In a large saucepan, sauté carrot, onion, garlic, and celery in oil until the onions and celery are tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add split peas and broth.
  • Add cooked chopped ham, ham bone, or smoked ham hock (optional).
  • Add diced potato (optional).
  • Add additional seasonings: cumin, curry, and turmeric (optional).
  • Bring to a boil. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low.
  • Simmer until peas are as soft as you like, 60 to 90 minutes or longer.
  • Slow Cooker Instructions: This recipe can be made in a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Put all ingredients except the oil into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.

Storage

  • Refrigerate any leftovers as soon as possible or within 2 hours for safety.
  • Use leftovers within 4 days and reheat to 165˚F before consuming.
  • Leftovers can also be frozen in freezer-grade containers or bags and used within 3 to 4 months for best quality.

Notes


Split Pea Soup Label; Click on this image for complete nutrition information