Hearty Jamaican Golden Split Pea Soup
Savor the rich, comforting flavors of this Hearty Jamaican Golden Split Pea Soup, which is brimming with wholesome vegetables and aromatic spices. This delightful dish features yellow split peas simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth, with the added essence of thyme and the warmth of allspice. It's easily adaptable to a vegetarian version with vegetable broth, ensuring everyone can enjoy it. The garnish of creamy crème fraîche and freshly chopped herbs adds a touch of elegance. Pair it with a cold beer for a satisfying meal any time of the year.
N/A
Servings
267
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow split peas
1 lb (rinsed)
chicken broth
3 quarts (preferably homemade)
celery
2 large ribs (thinly sliced)
carrots
2 medium (peeled and thinly sliced)
onion
1 large (chopped)
turnip
1 large (peeled and thinly sliced)
parsnip
1 large (peeled and thinly sliced)
scallion
1 large (white portion only, thinly sliced)
fresh thyme sprigs
2 (whole)
ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (plus more to taste)
kosher salt
2 teaspoons
fresh ground pepper
(to taste)
Instructions
1
Rinse the yellow split peas under cold water to remove any debris.
2
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth and yellow split peas. Bring to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until the split peas are soft and tender.
4
Add the sliced celery, carrots, chopped onion, sliced turnip, parsnip, scallion, thyme sprigs, allspice, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper to the pot.
5
Cover again and continue cooking on medium-low heat for an additional 45 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender.
6
Remove the thyme sprigs and discard them. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can use a food processor or blender, working in batches if necessary.
7
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional allspice, salt, and freshly ground pepper to suit your palette.
8
Serve warm, garnished with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley. Enjoy with a cold beer!
9
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for several weeks. Stir well after reheating.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
47g
Carbs
13g
Protein
13g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Jamaican Golden Split Pea Soup?
It is a rich, comforting soup made with yellow split peas, aromatic spices like allspice and thyme, and a variety of wholesome root vegetables.
What kind of peas are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 1 lb of rinsed yellow split peas.
Can this soup be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are approximately 267 calories per serving.
What is the fiber content per serving?
This soup is high in fiber, providing 13g per serving.
What aromatics are included in the recipe?
The aromatics include chopped onion, scallion (white portion), and fresh thyme sprigs.
What root vegetables are added to the soup?
The recipe includes carrots, turnip, and parsnip, all peeled and thinly sliced.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No soaking is required, but you should rinse them under cold water to remove any debris.
How long do the split peas need to simmer initially?
They should simmer for about 45 minutes or until they are soft and tender.
How long is the total cooking time?
The soup requires two stages of simmering: 45 minutes for the peas and another 45 minutes after adding the vegetables.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 quarts of chicken broth, preferably homemade.
What is the signature spice in this Jamaican soup?
Ground allspice is the key spice that gives this soup its characteristic Jamaican warmth.
Should the thyme sprigs stay in the soup?
No, you should remove and discard the thyme sprigs before pureeing the soup.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency for the soup?
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or use a food processor in batches.
What are the suggested garnishes for this soup?
A dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley are recommended.
How much protein does this soup contain?
Each serving contains 13g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
This is a low-fat meal with only 3g of fat per serving.
How should I store leftover soup?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Jamaican Golden Split Pea Soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen for several weeks.
What should I do when reheating the soup?
Stir the soup well after reheating to ensure a consistent texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
What beverage pairs well with this soup?
The recipe suggests pairing this hearty soup with a cold beer.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, though you can adjust to taste.
Does the recipe use both parsnips and turnips?
Yes, one large parsnip and one large turnip are used, both peeled and thinly sliced.
What part of the scallion is used?
Only the white portion of one large scallion is used.
Are the vegetables chopped or sliced?
The celery, carrots, turnip, parsnip, and scallion are sliced, while the onion is chopped.
Is there any sugar in this soup?
According to the nutritional data, there is no added sugar listed.
How much allspice is needed?
You need 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice, plus more to taste.
Can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
Yes, you can puree the soup to your desired consistency using a blender.
What makes the soup 'golden'?
The use of yellow split peas and chicken broth gives the soup its distinct golden color.