Let me tell you, I can’t get enough of this Creamy Split Pea Soup with Smoky Bacon & Fresh Herbs! I’ve made this recipe countless times, and each bowl is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Every time I serve it, people rave about the flavor and heartiness. If you’re looking for a dish that blends comfort and nutrition, this is it! Seriously, it might just become your new favorite comfort food!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Split Pea Soup
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect even for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can customize it easily with different herbs, spices, or proteins to suit your taste.
- Deliciously Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is both filling and healthy.
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant green color with smoky bits of bacon makes for an impressive presentation.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: It’s a great dish to prepare in advance and reheats beautifully.
The Secret to Perfect Creamy Split Pea Soup
The magic of this soup lies in the combination of split peas and smoky bacon. When simmered together with fresh herbs, they create a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. The key technique is to sauté the bacon first to render the fat, which not only enhances the flavor but also adds a rich creaminess to the soup. Trust me, taking that extra step will elevate your soup from good to extraordinary! And remember, blending it to a creamy consistency allows all those flavors to meld beautifully. You can absolutely make this!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“This soup is a game-changer! The smoky bacon adds such a rich flavor, and I couldn’t believe how creamy it turned out. I’m already making it again next week!” – Sarah J.
“I’ve tried many split pea soups, but this one is by far the best! The fresh herbs really make a difference. My kids went back for seconds!” – Mark T.
“I made this for my book club, and everyone couldn’t stop talking about it! It’s hearty, satisfying, and visually stunning. I’m officially the soup queen!” – Laura K.
Creative Variations to Try
- Herbed Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest and fresh dill for a refreshing twist.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Southwestern Flair: Incorporate corn, black beans, and cumin for a southwestern twist.
Bonus: Try adding a splash of cream or coconut milk for an extra creamy finish!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I freeze split pea soup?
Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you want to keep it vegetarian, you can use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.
How long does it take to cook?
After prepping, it takes about 1 hour to cook, but the hands-on time is minimal!
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes! Just remember to use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- For long-term storage, freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
- Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or croutons for an extra touch.
Perfect Occasions for Creamy Split Pea Soup
- A cozy family dinner on a chilly evening.
- Hosting a soup night with friends.
- A comforting lunch after a long hike.
- Meal prep for a busy week ahead.
- As a starter for a festive holiday gathering.
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for sticking with me! Now, let’s dive into the delicious details of making this Creamy Split Pea Soup!
Creamy Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound green split peas, rinsed and drained
- 6 slices of smoky bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish
Tip: The quality of your broth can make a huge difference in flavor, so choose one that you love!
Optional add-ins: Consider adding diced potatoes for extra heartiness or a splash of cream for an extra luxurious texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Bacon
In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. As the bacon cooks, let the smell fill your kitchen – it’s heavenly! Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté in the bacon fat for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. The key here is to scrape up any brown bits left from the bacon – that’s where the flavor is!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Trust me, this will make your home smell amazing!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the rinsed split peas and broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally and enjoy the aromas wafting through your kitchen.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess
Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer it in batches to a countertop blender. This is where the magic happens – you’ll love the creamy texture!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Stir in the reserved crispy bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs. I promise, the first spoonful will be a moment you won’t forget!
Nutritional information (per serving): Approximately 250 calories, 10g protein, 12g fiber, and 5g fat. This soup is not only delicious but also a fantastic source of nutrients!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! This Creamy Split Pea Soup with Smoky Bacon & Fresh Herbs is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that will warm your heart and fill your belly. I can’t wait for you to try it – I know you will love it just as much as I do! So grab your ingredients and get cooking, because this soup is about to become your new go-to comfort food!
Creamy Split Pea Soup with Smoky Bacon & Fresh Herbs
-
Total Time:
75 mins -
Yield:
6 servings
Savor the rich, creamy texture of split pea soup, infused with smoky bacon and vibrant fresh herbs for a comforting bowl of flavor.
Ingredients
- • 1 pound green split peas, rinsed and drained
- • 6 slices of smoky bacon, chopped
- • 1 large onion, diced
- • 2 carrots, diced
- • 2 celery stalks, diced
- • 4 cloves garlic, minced
- • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- • 1 bay leaf
- • Salt and pepper to taste
- • Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté in the bacon fat for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed split peas and broth to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
- Blend for Creaminess: Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Season and Serve: Stir in the reserved crispy bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
- Method: Oven
