If you're looking to enhance your meal prep with hearty and nutritious options, split soups might just be the answer. You'll find that these recipes cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, whether you crave something classic or want to investigate bold flavors. From the familiar comfort of a traditional split pea soup to the vibrant notes of a curried version, each recipe has its own unique appeal. But which ones will truly stand out on your table? Let's examine the top five that could transform your culinary repertoire.
Classic Split Pea Soup
Classic split pea soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that has been enjoyed for generations. With its rich, smoky flavor and creamy texture, this comforting soup is perfect for chilly days or any time you crave a filling meal. Made with simple ingredients, this classic recipe allows the split peas to shine, creating a dish that's both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup split peas (green or yellow)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 smoked ham hock or diced cooked ham
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until they're softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the split peas, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and optional ham hock.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the peas are tender and have started to break down.
Remove the bay leaf and ham hock (if used), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup or serve it as is.
Extra Tips:
For a deeper flavor, consider sautéing the vegetables in a bit of bacon fat or adding a few strips of bacon at the beginning.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead.
You can also customize your soup by adding other vegetables like potatoes or spinach, or even spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Split pea soup stores well in the refrigerator for several days, and it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Creamy Red Lentil Soup
Creamy Red Lentil Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that's perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch. The combination of red lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a comforting bowl of soup that's both filling and flavorful. This recipe is simple to prepare and can be made in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it's naturally vegan and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime (optional)
To cook the soup, heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté the chopped onion and carrots until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, or blend it in batches in a traditional blender.
When making this creamy red lentil soup, feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a spicy kick, while incorporating spinach or kale in the final few minutes of cooking increases its nutritional value.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer longer or reduce the amount of broth used. Ultimately, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so consider making a batch ahead of time for easy meal prep!
Spicy Split Chickpea Soup
Spicy Split Chickpea Soup is a warm, hearty dish that combines the earthy flavors of split chickpeas with a kick of spice. This soup isn't only comforting but also packed with protein and nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a cozy meal.
The use of spices like cumin, turmeric, and chili powder adds depth and warmth, while the simple preparation makes it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a satisfying and nourishing meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup split chickpeas (chana dal)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the ground cumin, turmeric, and chili powder, allowing the spices to bloom for a minute before adding the split chickpeas, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chickpeas are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether. You can also customize the soup by adding vegetables like carrots or spinach for extra nutrients.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Smoky Ham and Split Pea
Smoky Ham and Split Pea Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the earthy flavors of split peas with the rich, savory taste of smoked ham. This soup isn't only easy to prepare but also perfect for chilly days, providing warmth and nutrition in every bowl.
The combination of spices and the smokiness of the ham enhances the humble split pea, making this dish a family favorite. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious meal that's sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound split peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 smoked ham hock or 2 cups diced smoked ham
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Stir in the split peas, smoked ham hock or diced ham, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
If using a ham hock, remove it from the pot, shred the meat, and return it to the soup before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender, then stir it back into the pot.
If you prefer a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to taste.
Additionally, feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as potatoes or greens.
This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Curried Yellow Split Pea Soup
Curried Yellow Split Pea Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that combines the earthy flavors of yellow split peas with aromatic spices. This hearty soup not only warms the soul but also provides a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread.
The vibrant yellow color and fragrant curry spices make this soup a feast for the eyes and the palate, perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a nutritious boost.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Cooking instructions: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion, sautéing until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric, cooking for an additional minute to toast the spices.
Next, add the rinsed yellow split peas and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 30-40 minutes or until the split peas are soft.
Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, then remove from heat.
Extra tips: For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before serving.
You can also adjust the spice levels by adding more curry powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a bit of heat.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage, making it a great option for meal prep.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for an extra burst of flavor!