Why hello! Spring has sprung, and I am soaking it in. Actually, I am writing this post on my back porch watching the butterflies and listening to the birds sing. What a long crazy winter we have had here in Texas. Being cooped up inside all the time with a 3 year old and a 10 month old was getting pretty old. I love all this green and sunshine after all the gray and cold, which inspired me to share something green and delicious to celebrate spring – Split Pea Soup!
Now to some, split pea soup doesn’t sound that thrilling, I get it. It is definitely difficult to photograph to avoid it looking like just green mush (food photography is tricky). To be honest, my husband wasn’t too excited when I told him I was making it for dinner for St. Patrick’s Day (hey, it’s green). But, I am proud to say he was pleasantly surprised, because it was indeed delicious. Split pea soup is an amazing source of fiber (about 20 grams per 1 1/2 cup of soup when the daily recommended intake is about 25-30 grams daily). Split peas are also not a bad source of vegetarian protein, about 8 grams per 1/2 cup. You also got the added benefits of potassium and folate. So it’s pretty darn nutritious, and despite maybe some husband/children prejudices, very tasty. And although the weather has been nicer, we are still getting a lot of gray and rainy days. A comforting bowl of soup just makes everything better.
I added ham hocks to this recipe because peas and ham are oh so good, but you can definitely leave out for a vegetarian option. This is easy to whip up in the slow cooker or stove top. I personally always tend to turn to the slow cooker because I can throw it all in in the morning and forget about it until supper time. It’s just nice to avoid that pre-dinner time panic when you got 2 littles. My 3 year old did assist me in whipping up some quick homemade biscuits to go with, and man did that hit the spot.
Celebrate Spring with some green soup! Oh..and I realized you can see me in the spoon. Haha!
Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz bag dried split peas rinsed and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 14 oz can reduced sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp marjoram
- 1/2-1 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 large ham hocks optional
- fresh or dried choppled parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
For slow cooker:
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Combine peas, ham hocks, vegetables and seasonings in slow cooker. Pour broth and water over top.
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Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
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When done, remove ham hocks and chop up meat off of bones. Add back in and discard bay leaf. Serve with warm homemade biscuits for a real treat.
For stove top:
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Combine peas, ham hocks, seasonings, water, and broth in a large saucepan or stock pot.
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Bring soup to boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for 1 hour, covered. Stir occasionally.
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Remove pork hocks and chop up meat off of bones. Add back in with carrots, celery, and onion.
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Return to boiling, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for another 20-30 minutes when vegetables become tender. Discard bay leaf and serve. Still amazing with warm biscuits.
This actually made for some great leftovers too the next day, but I did need to add a little more chicken broth when reheating. Those peas get thick overnight.
It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten to post, but have had another new recorded webinar released since then: Nutrition for Gestational Diabetes. Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes always leads to the number one question – what should I eat? This 45 minute webinar can equip an expecting mama with everything she needs to know to help maintain a healthy pregnancy.
I hope you are enjoying this gorgeous weather as we are, and enjoy this soup too! What is one of your favorite spring-time recipes? Would love for you to share!
Until next time!
~Elissa
split pea is one of my all time favorite soups! It’s just so comforting!
That’s awesome!
This soup looks absolutely amazing. I have always loved split pea and your version sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try this. I can taste all that flavor from here 🙂
Thank you! I hope you enjoy!
Sounds delish, I love all soups!
Me too! Thank you!
Great use of spices in this recipe – looks lovely!
Thank you Ginger!
What a comforting soup! I could definitely go for a big bowl right now. Sounds super satisfying!
Thank you Stephanie!
Mmm…I love split pea soup, but rarely make it. This sounds so delicious~perfect for the gloomy weather we are having here in San Diego right now.
Thank you! One good thing about gloomy weather is more chances for soup… 🙂
This looks really delish!
Thank you Amy!
Delicious! I love this idea- unfortunately it is still soup weather here LOL so I cant wait to try this 🙂
Thanks! Isn’t that crazy? One good thing about cold weather is more soup…