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 soup is freezer-friendly and makes a nutritious soup.
1cupcooked chopped ham, ham bone, or smoked ham hock
1mediumpotato, peel and cut into ¼-inch pieces
1tablespooncurry powder
½teaspooncumin
½teaspoonturmeric
Instructions
Clean the kitchen area and wash hands with soap and water.
Sort and rinse split peas, set aside.
Scrub firm produce with a clean vegetable brush under cold running water.
Peel and chop carrots, onion, and celery into ¼-inch pieces.
In a large saucepan, sauté carrot, onion, celery, and minced garlic in oil until the onions and celery are tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Add split peas, broth, and salt and pepper.
Add cooked chopped ham, ham bone, or smoked ham hock (optional).
Add diced potato (optional).
Add additional seasonings: cumin, curry, and turmeric (optional).
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. A simmer is when the rapid bubbling stops and only small bubbles remain. Maintain this gentle heat for 60 to 90 minutes, until peas are soft. Stir occasionally.
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.
The Nutrition Facts Label does not include optional ingredients.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).