Split Pea Soup
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.
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
- For more information about food and beverage storage go to the FoodKeeper Website or App (FoodSafety.gov).
- The Nutrition Facts Label does not include optional ingredients.
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