This High Protein Split Pea Soup is a comforting and nourishing bowl of goodness, packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it an ideal choice for a healthy lunch or a satisfying dinner. Its simplicity and impressive nutritional profile make it a go-to recipe for anyone seeking a delicious and budget-friendly meal.
Key Ingredients for High Protein Split Pea Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and picked over
- 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 ham hock or a couple of slices of smoked ham for added flavor (remove before serving if desired)
- Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, croutons, a swirl of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
How to Make High Protein Split Pea Soup
Get ready for a truly satisfying culinary experience with this High Protein Split Pea Soup. This recipe is designed for ease and delivers incredible flavor, transforming humble split peas into a luxuriously creamy and deeply savory soup. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of approximately 1 hour, this hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Peas and Broth: Add the rinsed split peas to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth. If using a ham hock or smoked ham, add it now. Add the bay leaf.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the split peas are very tender and have started to break down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Achieve Creaminess: Once the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf and the ham hock (if used). For a creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion or all of the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer about 2-3 cups of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the High Protein Split Pea Soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, croutons, or a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream if desired.
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Split Pea Soup
You’ll adore this High Protein Split Pea Soup for its incredible heartiness and comforting, rich flavor. Unlike lighter brothy soups, this recipe boasts a wonderfully thick and creamy texture, achieved naturally by the breaking down of the split peas. Making this soup at home is a fantastic cost-saver, as dried split peas are incredibly economical, making a gourmet-quality meal accessible for a fraction of the price of store-bought options, and far more satisfying than a quick salad. The subtle sweetness of the vegetables and the optional smoky notes from the ham create a complex flavor profile that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly versatile.
Imagine a steaming bowl of this velvety soup warming you from the inside out – it’s pure comfort in a bowl! It’s the perfect antidote to a chilly day or a busy schedule, offering a complete and nourishing meal that will leave you feeling full and content. If you enjoy a classic lentil soup or a hearty vegetable stew, you’re going to fall in love with the unique depth and creaminess of this High Protein Split Pea Soup. Don’t wait to experience this delicious and budget-friendly meal; give this recipe a try today and discover your new favorite go-to soup!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, cool the soup thoroughly and transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Frozen split pea soup will maintain its quality for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated soup, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened significantly. For frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop as described above, or reheat it directly from frozen using a low setting in the microwave, stirring frequently.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Split Pea Soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Its satisfying texture, delicious flavor, and impressive nutritional value make it a perfect meal for any occasion. We encourage you to try this recipe; we’re confident it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
High Protein Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large yellow onion, 2 carrots, 2 stalks celery
- Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.2 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Add the rinsed split peas to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth. If using a ham hock or smoked ham, add it now. Add the bay leaf.1 pound dried green split peas, 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 1 ham hock, 1 bay leaf
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the split peas are very tender and have started to break down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf and the ham hock (if used). For a creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion or all of the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer about 2-3 cups of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.1 bay leaf, 1 ham hock
- Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the High Protein Split Pea Soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, croutons, or a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream if desired.to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, fresh parsley, croutons, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream