- **Split Peas**: High-quality green or yellow split peas for authentic flavor.
- **Vegetable Broth**: Low-sodium vegetable broth to enhance the base taste.
- **Onion**: Finely chopped onion for a sweet aroma and depth of flavor.
- **Carrot**: Diced carrots to add color and nutrients, enhancing the soup's appeal.
- **Celery**: Chopped celery to complement the other vegetables and balance flavors.
- **Garlic Cloves**: Sautéed garlic for added richness and pungency.
- **Thyme**: Fresh or dried thyme for its distinctive herbal flavor.
- **Bay Leaf**: A single bay leaf to infuse the soup with a subtle aromatic note.
- **Salt**: To taste, adjust according to your preference and recipe requirements.
- **Pepper**: Black pepper to season the soup to your liking.
- **Vegetable Oil or Butter**: For sautéing vegetables, ensuring they are well-coated.
- **Water**: Additional water if needed during cooking to achieve desired consistency.
- **Optional Ingredients**:
- **Ham Hock**: Adds a rich, smoky flavor for a heartier soup.
- **Pork Sausage**: Crumbled sausage can be used for added protein and complexity.
- **Potatoes**: Small diced potatoes to thicken the soup and add texture.
Steps
### How to Make American Split Pea Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction
American split pea soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for cold weather or any day when you crave something warm and satisfying. This classic recipe is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a great choice for family meals or gatherings.
#### Ingredients
- 2 cups dried green split peas (soaked overnight)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: 1 cup chopped green beans or peas for extra texture
#### Instructions
##### Step 1: Soak the Peas (Optional)
While not strictly necessary, soaking your split peas overnight can reduce cooking time and make them more digestible. Rinse the peas thoroughly before soaking.
**SEO Keyword:** Soaked split peas
##### Step 2: Prepare Vegetables
Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the carrots and celery into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for a balanced flavor profile.
**SEO Keyword:** Chopped vegetables
##### Step 3: Start Cooking
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent. Add the diced carrots and celery, and cook for another 5-7 minutes to soften them slightly.
**SEO Keyword:** Sautéing vegetables
##### Step 4: Add Broth and Peas
Pour in the vegetable broth or chicken broth, followed by the soaked (or fresh) split peas. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
**SEO Keyword:** Vegetable broth
##### Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about an hour or until the peas are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste during this stage.
For added texture, stir in chopped green beans or frozen peas towards the end of cooking time. This will only take a few minutes as these ingredients cook quickly.
**SEO Keyword:** Green beans and peas
##### Step 7: Add Herbs
Stir in bay leaves and dried thyme for extra depth of flavor. Let the soup simmer with the herbs for another 10 minutes to infuse them fully into the broth.
**SEO Keyword:** Bay leaves, thyme
##### Step 8: Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle it into bowls and serve hot. You can also garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
**SEO Keywords:** Fresh parsley, sour cream
#### Conclusion
Enjoy your homemade American split pea soup as a comforting meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. This recipe is easy to customize based on personal preferences, making it the perfect comfort food staple in any kitchen.