1 Serving Split Pea Soup contains 190 calories, making it a healthy and filling meal option. Whether you're looking for a nutritious lunch or a warming dinner on a chilly evening, split pea soup is a delicious and versatile choice.
Split pea soup is a great source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Plus, it's low in fat and sodium, making it a heart-healthy option.
In this article, we'll explore the ingredients, benefits, and different ways to enjoy split pea soup, as well as some tips for cooking it perfectly every time.
Easy and Quick Split Pea Soup Recipe
To make a simple split pea soup, you'll need: - 1 cup of dried split peas
- 4 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the split peas and place them in a large pot with the broth, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
3. Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve hot.
Ingredients and Packed Nutrients of Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is packed with nutrients that are important for your health. Here are some of the key ingredients and their benefits: - Split peas: High in fiber, iron, and protein, split peas can help improve digestion, boost energy, and support muscle growth and repair.
- Broth: Low in calories and rich in flavor, broth is a great base for soups and provides important vitamins and minerals.
- Onion and garlic: Both of these vegetables contain antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
- Bay leaf: This aromatic herb contains compounds that can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.
By combining these nutritious ingredients, split pea soup is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Healthy Benefits of Split Pea Soup
In addition to its nutrient content, split pea soup offers a range of health benefits. Here are some of the ways it can improve your wellbeing: - Promotes heart health: The fiber in split peas can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Supports digestion: The high fiber content of split peas can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
- Boosts immunity: The vitamins and minerals in split peas can help support your immune system and protect your body from infection.
- Enhances weight loss: Split pea soup is low in calories and filling, making it a great option for anyone trying to lose weight.
By incorporating split pea soup into your regular diet, you can reap these and other health benefits.
Tips for Making the Perfect Split Pea Soup
While split pea soup is a simple and easy recipe, there are some tips you can follow to ensure that it turns out perfectly every time. Here are some suggestions: - Soak the split peas overnight: This can help reduce cooking time and make the peas more digestible.
- Use low-sodium broth: This will allow you to control the amount of salt in the soup and keep it healthy.
- Experiment with seasonings: Try adding different herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or cumin, to give your soup extra flavor.
- Serve with toppings: Consider adding toppings such as croutons, grated cheese, or plain yogurt to make your soup more interesting and delicious.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and healthy split pea soup that is sure to satisfy.
Alternative Ways to Serve Split Pea Soup
While split pea soup is great on its own, there are many ways to jazz it up and create new and exciting dishes. Here are some suggestions: - Add meat: Try adding diced ham, cooked chicken, or sausage to the soup for extra protein and flavor.
- Make it creamy: For a richer and creamier soup, add some heavy cream or coconut milk to the mixture.
- Serve with bread: Split pea soup goes great with crusty bread or rolls for dipping and sopping up the delicious broth.
- Turn it into a stew: Add extra vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or celery, to turn your soup into a hearty and filling stew.
By experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, you can create a range of delicious and unique split pea soup dishes.
Best Turn to Split Pea Soup for a Hearty Meal
Split pea soup is a perfect meal for anyone looking for a warming and filling dish that will keep them satisfied for hours. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat lover, split pea soup is versatile and adaptable to any taste preference. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with a salad or sandwich for a complete and balanced meal. Plus, the leftovers can be easily reheated and enjoyed for days to come. So if you're looking for a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to make and great for any occasion, turn to split pea soup.
The Versatility of Split Pea Soup
One of the great things about split pea soup is its versatility. You can customize it to your liking by adding different ingredients or adjusting the seasonings. Plus, split pea soup can be enjoyed in any season, whether it's served hot in the winter or chilled in the summer. So if you're looking for a recipe that you can make year-round and never get tired of, look no further than split pea soup!
Split Pea Soup: A Vegan Friendly Meal
For anyone following a vegan diet, split pea soup is a perfect meal option. It's naturally free of animal products and contains plenty of plant-based protein, fiber, and nutrients. You can make a veggie-friendly version of split pea soup by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and leaving out any meat or dairy-based ingredients. By incorporating this delicious and nutritious soup into your regular meal plan, you can ensure that you're getting all the nutrients you need on a plant-based diet.
Cooking Split Pea Soup in a Slow Cooker
If you're looking for a hands-off way to make split pea soup, consider using a slow cooker. This method allows you to throw all the ingredients into the pot and let them cook together over several hours, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup. To make split pea soup in a slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients to the pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Then use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth and serve hot. This method is great for busy days when you don't have time to watch the stove or when you want to come home to a warm and comforting meal.
Split Pea Soup with Crispy Bacon Bits
For anyone who loves bacon, adding some crispy bacon bits to split pea soup can take it to the next level. The smoky and salty flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the earthy and creamy soup, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. To make split pea soup with crispy bacon bits, simply cook some bacon in a pan until it's crispy and then crumble it into the soup before serving. You can also sprinkle some bacon bits on top for an extra crunch. By adding this decadent touch to your split pea soup, you can elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Split Pea Soup
1. What are split peas?
Split peas are a type of legume that are produced by taking whole peas and splitting them in half along the natural seam. They are high in protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber, and are commonly used in soups and stews.
2. Is split pea soup healthy?
Split pea soup is a generally healthy food that is low in calories and high in nutritional value. It is a good source of dietary fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and folate.
3. Does split pea soup have a high sodium content?
The amount of sodium in split pea soup can vary depending on the specific recipe or brand. Pre-made or canned soups may have a higher sodium content due to added salt or preservatives. To reduce the sodium content, choose low sodium options or make your soup at home with less salt.
4. Can split pea soup be made vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, split pea soup can easily be made vegetarian or vegan by omitting any meat or dairy products that may be included in the recipe. Instead, use vegetable stock or broth and add additional vegetables or grains to make the soup heartier.
5. Can split pea soup be frozen?
Yes, split pea soup can be frozen for later use. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and heat it up on the stovetop or microwave.