Split Pea and Bacon Soup

Warm your soul with a bowl of Split Pea and Bacon Soup, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for those chilly days. The smoky richness of bacon infuses this soup with a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Be cautious with your seasoning; the bacon’s savory embrace means you may need little, if any, extra salt. Consider pairing this comforting soup with some crispy olive oil croutons for an extra layer of deliciousness.

SERVES 6
PREP 30 MIN
COOK 1 HR 10 MIN
FREEZE UP TO 3 MONTHS

INGREDIENTS:

• 9oz (250g) dried split green peas, rinsed and drained
• 1½ quarts (1½ liters) water
• 4–5 slices thick-cut bacon
• ¼ celeriac, peeled and diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 small leek, diced
• 1 medium starchy potato, peeled and diced
• 1 tsp dried marjoram
• 1 tbsp (15g) butter
• 1 onion, diced
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3–4 tsp chopped chives, to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the dried split green peas and water. Bring to a boil.
2. Add the bacon slices, cover the saucepan, and cook for about 40 minutes over medium heat.
3. Stir in the celeriac, carrot, leek, potato, and dried marjoram. Bring the mixture to a boil once more, cover, and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes.
4. While the vegetables are cooking, melt the butter in a separate pan. Add the diced onion and sauté until slightly browned. Set aside.
5. Remove the bacon from the soup, chop it into pieces, and return it to the soup along with the sautéed onions.
6. Season the soup generously with freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
7. To serve, sprinkle each bowl of soup with chopped chives as a garnish.

TIPS:

• Check Salt Levels: Be cautious when adding salt to this soup, as the bacon will already contribute a salty flavor. Taste the soup before adding extra salt, as you may not need it.
• Customize the Bacon: Feel free to experiment with different types of bacon or smoked meats for a unique flavor profile. Smoked ham hock or smoked turkey can also work well in place of bacon.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Besides chives, you can enhance the soup’s flavor by adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or even a bay leaf during cooking. Remove any whole herbs before serving.
• Texture Variation: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, leave it chunky for a heartier feel.
• Serve with Croutons: Top your soup with homemade or store-bought croutons for added crunch and flavor. Olive oil croutons, as suggested in the intro, can be a delicious choice.
• Store and Reheat: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if it thickens too much.
• Freezing: While this soup isn’t suitable for freezing due to its texture, you can make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for later use.

Enjoy your hearty Split Pea and Bacon Soup!

In the end, what you have is a bowl filled with comfort and warmth, a testament to the magic of simple ingredients and a little bacon. The tender split green peas, mingling with the earthy celeriac, sweet carrots, and aromatic marjoram, create a symphony of flavors that soothe the senses. The final touch of chopped chives adds a fresh, herbal note, balancing the richness of the bacon. This Split Pea and Bacon Soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a cold day. Enjoy every spoonful.