Split Pea Soup

There is nothing like a warm bowl of Yellow Split Pea Soup. Split peas are packed with many nutritional elements. What we love most about this soup is that it is easy to make and quite delicious. So, if you’re looking for a protein-rich, plant-based option, then you’re in the right place. Yellow split pea soup is eaten throughout the world in various cultures.

In Scandinavia, it is known as “Ärtsoppa”. There are also variations of this soup in Indian and Middle Eastern cultures. Split peas are considered an ancient grain and were quite popular in the old times, mainly due to their long shelf life. Nowadays, many people eat this soup during the Autumn and Winter months due to its hearty qualities.

Ingredients

Split peas, Onion, Water, Chicken stock cube, Olive oil, Cumin seeds, Ground Cumin, Paprika, Garlic powder, Garlic cloves, Black pepper, Salt.

Choose yellow split peas to make this soup. A chicken stock cube adds flavour to the soup; you can also use a vegetarian stock cube. Cumin seeds and ground cumin add an earthiness to this soup and create a warm and hearty taste to this meal.

Paprika powder adds a slight spiciness. If you want more spiciness, you can choose between chilli powder or cayenne pepper. Garlic powder, along with garlic cloves, adds a slight heat with a hint of nuttiness. If you want a richer experience, consider adding butter in place of olive oil. For a creamier soup, add sour cream or heavy cream at the end of the cooking process.

Instructions

Wash the split peas in running water. Remove any impurities by tossing the split peas around in the strainer. Peel, clean and slice the onion.

First, boil the split peas. Add about one liter of water to a pot and split peas. Also, add the chicken stock cube, paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Boil the split peas on low heat for forty minutes with the lid closed. If necessary, check the water level every ten minutes and add one cup of water each time. Also, stir the split peas around so they won’t get stuck in the pot. 

When the split peas are boiled and soft, sauté the onion and cumin seeds in a separate pan. Preheat the pan on medium-low heat, add olive oil, and cook until the onions are golden brown. Set aside one teaspoon of onions for garnishing.

Add the cooked onion and roasted cumin seeds to the pot filled with boiled split peas. Use a hand-held immersion blender to blend all the ingredients until the soup is fine. Split peas are best served hot, and they go well with rice or fresh bread. To serve, garnish with caramelized onion.

What to Serve with Split pea soup?

Split pea soup is usually served as an appetizer, yet it is a comforting dish that can also serve as a main meal. This hearty soup can be enjoyed with many varieties of side dishes, such as fluffy and slightly sweet basmati rice or aromatic and buttery-scented jasmine rice.

Fresh white bread also perfectly matches split pea soup, which soaks up the soup’s flavour into the bread and makes every bite mouthful and delicious. A simple green salad with light vinaigrette balances the soup’s richness with a touch of freshness. The crunchy and fresh vegetables also add another dimension of texture to your soup. 

How do you store and reheat the split pea soup?

One of the benefits of split pea soup is that you can make it in large quantities and divide it into portions. First, allow the soup to completely cool down before storing it in the fridge.

To store the split pea soup in the refrigerator, bring it to room temperature and transfer it into an airtight container. The soup can be kept in the fridge for three to four days. You can reheat refrigerated soup on the stovetop or in the microwave.

The soup should be hot after about three minutes of reheating on the stovetop. If you use the microwave, cover it with a lid, as the soup will bubble and pop everywhere in the microwave.

Storage in the freezer will last for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy the soup throughout the winter season. To store in the deep freeze, transfer the soup into an airtight container. It can be stored in one large container or in the portion that you desire. When slightly thawed, the frozen split pea soup can be scooped with a ladle, almost like scooping a hard frozen sherbet.

There is no need to thaw the frozen soup. Just put it directly into a pot or pan. Reheat the soup on medium-low heat on the stove in a small pot or pan, which will take about 4 to 5 minutes to become hot.