Hearty Green Split Pea & Potato Soup with Smoky Bacon
This Hearty Green Split Pea & Potato Soup is a cherished comfort food recipe passed down from my mother. As the crisp autumn air settles in, this rich and warming soup becomes a staple on my dining table. The combination of tender green split peas and creamy potatoes creates a satisfying base, while the addition of smoky bacon lends an irresistible depth of flavor. For those in Germany, I highly recommend including Mettendchen sausages; their unique taste beautifully enhances the soup. If you're unable to find them, Kielbasa or a ham bone will provide equally delightful flavors. This recipe is perfect for cozy nights when you need something hearty and nourishing to warm you from the inside out.
6
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Split Peas
2 cups (well rinsed and drained)
Potatoes
2 1/2 cups (peeled and cubed)
Leek
1 medium (thinly sliced)
Smoked Streaky Bacon
2 slices (chopped finely)
Water
5 cups (for boiling peas)
Vegetable Stock
4 cups (can use more to taste)
Salt
to taste
Frankfurters
4 (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain them.
2
In a large pot, combine the split peas and 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 35-45 minutes, until the peas are tender. Remember not to add salt at this stage, as it can prolong the cooking time.
3
If foam develops on the surface while cooking, skim it off regularly.
4
In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the bacon into a large pot, scraping all the delicious bits from the skillet. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
5
To the bacon, add the sliced leek, cubed potatoes, and vegetable stock. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
6
After the peas have finished cooking, carefully transfer them along with any remaining liquid into the pot with the bacon, leek, potatoes, and stock. Be sure to skim off any additional foam that forms on the top.
7
Season the soup with salt to taste. For added richness, consider including frankfurters, smoked sausages, or a ham bone for deeper flavor.
8
Allow the soup to cook on low heat for at least 30 minutes; flavors deepen the longer it simmers, making it even better the next day.
9
If you prefer a smooth texture, feel free to use a blender. I usually opt for a potato masher to slightly break down the peas and potatoes while retaining some texture.
10
To store leftovers, if the soup becomes too thick upon refrigeration, simply stir in additional vegetable stock before reheating.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
10g
Protein
7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Green Split Pea & Potato Soup?
This is a rich, warming comfort food recipe passed down through generations, combining tender green split peas, creamy potatoes, and smoky bacon for a satisfying meal.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for this soup?
The main ingredients include 2 cups of green split peas, 2 1/2 cups of cubed potatoes, 1 medium leek, and 2 slices of smoked streaky bacon.
Should I add salt when I start boiling the split peas?
No, you should not add salt at the beginning of cooking the peas because it can prolong the cooking time; add it later to taste.
How long do the split peas need to cook?
The split peas should be simmered for approximately 35-45 minutes until they are tender.
What should I do if foam forms while boiling the peas?
You should regularly skim off any foam that develops on the surface during the cooking process.
How is the bacon prepared for the soup?
The smoked streaky bacon should be chopped finely and cooked in a skillet until it is crispy and golden brown.
How do I prepare the leeks and potatoes?
The leek should be thinly sliced and the potatoes should be peeled and cubed before being added to the pot.
What type of stock is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 4 cups of vegetable stock, which can be adjusted based on your taste preferences.
Can I substitute the bacon or add other meats?
Yes, for extra flavor you can include Mettendchen sausages, Kielbasa, frankfurters, or a ham bone.
Is this soup better when eaten immediately or the next day?
While delicious immediately, the flavors deepen the longer it simmers and it often tastes even better the next day.
What is the recommended final simmering time?
The soup should cook on low heat for at least 30 minutes after all ingredients are combined.
How can I achieve a smooth texture for the soup?
If you prefer a smooth consistency, you can use a blender to process the soup once it is cooked.
How can I achieve a chunky but thickened texture?
You can use a potato masher to slightly break down the peas and potatoes while still retaining some texture.
What should I do if the soup is too thick after refrigeration?
Simply stir in some additional vegetable stock before reheating the leftovers.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the protein content of the soup?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
How much fiber does this soup provide?
This soup provides 7 grams of fiber per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
A single serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the fat content per serving?
The soup contains 5 grams of fat per serving.
What are Mettendchen sausages?
Mettendchen are a type of German sausage that provide a unique and enhanced flavor to traditional Erbsensuppe.
How much water is needed to boil the split peas?
You will need 5 cups of water for the initial boiling of the peas.
Should the split peas be rinsed before cooking?
Yes, you should rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear and then drain them.
Are frankfurters a required ingredient?
No, frankfurters are optional but recommended for added richness.
Is this recipe categorized under a specific cuisine?
Yes, it is considered part of German cuisine and is often referred to as Erbsensuppe.
Why is this considered an autumn recipe?
Its hearty, warming nature makes it a perfect staple for when the crisp autumn air settles in.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized under Potato dishes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Can I use more than 4 cups of vegetable stock?
Yes, the amount of vegetable stock can be increased to taste or to adjust the thickness of the soup.
What is the primary flavor profile of this soup?
The soup is hearty and savory with a distinct smoky depth from the bacon and sausages.