When you’re in the mood for a comforting and hearty soup that’s easy to prepare, look no further than this Simple Split Pea Soup. Packed with nutritious green split peas and a medley of vegetables, it’s a delicious way to warm up on a chilly day or anytime you crave a satisfying bowl of soup. The best part? You can achieve that silky smooth texture effortlessly with the help of an immersion blender, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this comforting classic.
SERVES 6
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups dried green split peas
- Water, as needed
- 6 cups Vegetable Broth
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prep the Split Peas: Begin by rinsing the dried green split peas and then soaking them overnight. Make sure to use enough water to cover them by more than an inch. The soaking helps soften the peas and reduce cooking time. After soaking, drain the peas.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: In your 4-quart slow cooker, combine all the prepared ingredients. This includes the soaked and drained split peas, Vegetable Broth, diced potatoes, chopped carrots, celery, minced garlic, cumin, thyme, bay leaf, and salt. Stir everything together to ensure all the flavors meld.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook over low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This extended cooking time allows the split peas and vegetables to fully develop their flavors and create a rich, hearty soup.
- Blend to Smooth Perfection: After the soup has been slow-cooked to perfection, let it cool slightly. Then, remove the bay leaf. To achieve that silky-smooth texture, you have two options. You can either transfer the soup to a blender in batches, being careful not to overfill, or you can use a convenient immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
With the use of an immersion blender, you’ll eliminate the need to transfer hot soup to a blender and simplify the process. This makes creating this Simple Split Pea Soup not only delicious but also a hassle-free experience.
Warm, wholesome, and wonderfully creamy, this soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Serve it up in bowls, perhaps with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and enjoy the nourishing goodness of this homemade classic. Whether it’s a comforting weeknight dinner or a warming meal on a cold day, this Simple Split Pea Soup is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy!
