Ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 2 1/4 cups) dried green split peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup diced ham or smoked sausage (optional, for flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Croutons or a dollop of sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Split Peas:
- Rinse the dried green split peas under cold water and drain them. Set them aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add Garlic and Split Peas:
- Stir in the minced garlic and the rinsed split peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in Broth:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The split peas should become soft and the soup will thicken.
6. Optional: Add Ham or Sausage:
- If you’d like to add extra flavor to your pea soup, add diced ham or smoked sausage at this stage.
7. Check Consistency:
- Check the consistency of the soup. If it’s too thick, you can add more broth to reach your preferred thickness.
8. Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Ladle the hot pea soup into bowls.
9. Garnish:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
10. Optional: Serve with croutons or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and creaminess.
11. Enjoy your homemade pea soup! It’s a warm and comforting dish, perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and customize your pea soup with your favorite ingredients.