Split Pea Soup with Meatballs

Discover a delightful twist to the classic split pea soup in the form of tender and flavorful meatballs. Donna Smith from Grey Cliff, Montana, elevates the ordinary split pea soup by adding these savory meatballs, making it an instant hit at church soup suppers, where her pot always returns home empty. This comforting and nourishing soup combines the richness of split peas with the heartiness of vegetables and the deliciousness of perfectly seasoned meatballs.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound dry green split peas
• 3 medium carrots, cut into ½-inch pieces
• ¾ cup diced celery
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 8 cups water
• 3 medium potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 2½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

MEATBALLS:

• ¾ cup finely chopped celery
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 1½ cups soft bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried sage, crushed
• 1 egg
• 1 pound ground pork

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a Dutch oven or stockpot, combine the split peas, carrots, celery, onion, and water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
2. Add the diced potatoes, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, sauté finely chopped celery and onion in 2 tablespoons of canola oil until tender. Transfer them to a large bowl. Add soft bread crumbs, water, salt, crushed dried sage, and egg. Crumble ground pork over the mixture and mix well. Form the mixture into small ¾-inch balls.
4. In the same skillet, brown the meatballs in the remaining canola oil until a thermometer reads 160°. Add the meatballs to the soup, cover, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.

YIELD: 10-14 servings (3½ quarts)

PREP/COOK TIME: 20 minutes (2 hours cooking time)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS:

• For a touch of extra richness, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
• Customize the soup by adding other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
• To save time, prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. When ready to serve, simply add the frozen meatballs to the simmering soup and cook until heated through.

Savor the delightful flavors of Split Pea Soup with Meatballs, a comforting and nourishing dish presented by Donna Smith from Grey Cliff, Montana. This traditional split pea soup receives an exciting twist with the addition of tender and flavorful meatballs, making it an instant hit at church soup suppers and leaving Donna’s pot always empty at the end of the night.

The recipe begins by combining dry green split peas with diced carrots, celery, and onions, cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven until tender and bursting with flavors. The addition of diced potatoes adds a hearty touch to the soup, enhancing its comforting appeal.

The real star of the dish, however, is the well-seasoned meatballs. Finely chopped celery and onion create a flavorful base, while soft bread crumbs, water, salt, crushed dried sage, and an egg bind together the ground pork to form small, succulent meatballs. Sautéed to perfection in canola oil, these meatballs are the perfect complement to the split pea soup.

For added richness, consider substituting water with chicken or vegetable broth, elevating the overall taste of the soup. Additionally, feel free to customize the dish with other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach to enhance its nutritional value and add more flavors.

As a time-saving tip, prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. On the day of serving, simply add the frozen meatballs to the simmering soup, and within minutes, you’ll have a comforting and delicious meal ready to enjoy.

In conclusion, Split Pea Soup with Meatballs is a comforting and nourishing dish that provides the perfect combination of rich flavors and heartiness. Ideal for church soup suppers or family gatherings, this soup is bound to be a crowd-pleaser with its delightful combination of tender split peas and well-seasoned meatballs. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this classic and flavorful soup that will warm hearts and satisfy appetites.