Hearty Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried split peas 2 cups (400g) dried split peas
• 6 cups (1.4L) water 6 cups (1.4L) water
• 8 oz (225g) bacon, diced 8 oz (225g) bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 leeks, sliced 2 leeks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 8g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the split peas under cold water and drain.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, leeks, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Add the split peas, water, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Use an immersion blender or a potato masher to partially puree the soup, leaving some texture.
7. 7.
   Return the crispy bacon to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Hearty Split Pea Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Split peas — Rinse the split peas thoroughly before using to remove any dirt or debris.
• Bacon — Use thick-cut bacon for a more substantial texture and smoky flavor.
• Leeks — Make sure to clean the leeks thoroughly as they can often have dirt trapped between the layers.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
• Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavors of the soup.
• Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance and reheating it when ready to serve.
• Freeze any leftovers in individual portions for a quick and satisfying meal on a busy day.

Serving advice

Serve the Hearty Split Pea Soup piping hot in bowls. Accompany it with slices of crusty bread or traditional Dutch rye bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic bowls or traditional Dutch soup tureens for an authentic presentation.