Split pea soup, this timeless dish has been passed down through generations, warming countless souls with its nourishing goodness.
The Split pea soup has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient civilizations. The cultivation of peas can be traced as far back as 4800 BC in what is now known as the Middle East. As peas spread across the globe, so did the various methods of cooking them. Split pea soup, in particular, has deep roots in European cuisine, where it became a staple in many households.
The simple yet delicious combination of dried split peas, vegetables, and seasonings has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved dish worldwide. From its humble beginnings as a peasant food to its place as a comforting and nutritious meal, split pea soup has earned its well-deserved spot in culinary traditions.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried split peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: croutons, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Rinse the dried split peas under cold water and set them aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed split peas, vegetable or chicken broth, water, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard it. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, carefully blend the soup until you reach your desired consistency. If using a regular blender, blend the soup in batches.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Ladle the warm split pea soup into bowls and garnish with croutons and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve and enjoy!
With its humble origins and nourishing ingredients, this classic dish embodies the essence of comfort food.
Enjoy this delightful soup as a main course or pair it with a crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even more delicious as leftovers. So, embrace the warmth and comfort of homemade split pea soup, and savor each spoonful of this timeless culinary treasure.