So, you're ready to spice up your St. Paddy's Day celebration, huh? Split pea soup is a classic, but these five recipes are about to take your taste buds on a wild ride! From the hearty Irish Split Pea Soup with Ham to a zesty Spicy Split Pea Soup with Cabbage and Bacon, there's something for everyone. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on the surprises each bowl brings. Let's get cooking!
Classic Irish Split Pea Soup With Ham
Classic Irish Split Pea Soup with Ham is a hearty and comforting dish that embodies the warmth of traditional Irish cooking. This soup combines the earthy flavors of split peas with the savory notes of ham, creating a satisfying meal that's perfect for chilly days.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe isn't only delicious but also easy to make, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound split peas (green or yellow)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Begin by rinsing the split peas under cold water and set them aside.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Next, add the rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and diced ham to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the soup while it simmers.
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup before serving.
This soup also freezes well, so feel free to make a double batch and store some for later.
Garnish with fresh parsley or croutons for added texture and flavor when serving.
Stout-Infused Split Pea Soup
Stout-infused split pea soup is a rich and hearty dish that combines the earthy flavor of split peas with the deep, malty notes of stout beer, creating a wonderfully complex flavor profile.
This soup isn't only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it a great meal for any time of the year. Perfectly paired with crusty bread, this recipe is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup stout beer (such as Guinness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, split peas, vegetable broth, and stout beer. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the split peas are soft.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, remove the bay leaf, and use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
Extra Tips:
For a creamier texture, you can blend the soup fully or leave some chunks for added texture.
If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke or some smoked paprika.
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding diced potatoes or other vegetables for extra depth.
This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage, making it perfect for meal prep!
Irish Cheddar and Herb Split Pea Soup
Irish Cheddar and Herb Split Pea Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that combines the rich, nutty flavor of split peas with the sharp, creamy taste of Irish cheddar. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and is packed with nutrients, making it a wonderful choice for a wholesome meal.
The addition of fresh herbs improves the flavor profile, creating a cozy and satisfying experience with every spoonful.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup split green peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Irish cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the rinsed split peas, dried thyme, broth, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the split peas are tender. Remove the bay leaf, and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth if desired, or leave it chunky for more texture.
Stir in the shredded Irish cheddar until melted and smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider including a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar during cooking.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can adjust the amount of broth used or let it simmer longer to reduce.
Feel free to customize the herbs based on your preference; fresh thyme or chives work wonderfully.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and freezes well, making it a great make-ahead meal option.
Colcannon Split Pea Soup
Colcannon Split Pea Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional Irish colcannon with the creamy texture of split pea soup. This comforting soup is perfect for cold days and is packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome meal for the whole family.
With the addition of potatoes, cabbage, and leeks, you'll enjoy a delightful twist on a classic recipe that's both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup split peas, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup chopped leeks (white and light green parts only)
- 2 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion and leeks, cooking until softened.
Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add the diced potatoes, split peas, and broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the split peas and potatoes are tender.
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Extra Tips:
For added creaminess, you can puree a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or standard blender before adding the cabbage.
If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or diced ham.
This soup can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little water or broth if it thickens too much.
Enjoy this nourishing soup with crusty bread for a complete meal!
Spicy Split Pea Soup With Cabbage and Bacon
Spicy Split Pea Soup with Cabbage and Bacon is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the earthy richness of split peas with the crunch of cabbage and the smokiness of bacon. This soup is perfect for a chilly day and can be made in one pot, making it a convenient option for a weeknight dinner.
The spice level can be adjusted to suit your taste, and it's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup split peas, rinsed and drained
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot, sautéing until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the chopped cabbage, followed by the rinsed split peas, broth, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the split peas are tender. Once cooked, stir in the reserved bacon and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of different beans or lentils along with the split peas.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender. Additionally, feel free to experiment with other spices, such as cumin or coriander, to customize the heat and flavor profile to your liking.
This soup can also be frozen; simply let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers for future meals.