Hearty Split Pea Soup with Optional Sausage
Warm up with this comforting and hearty split pea soup, perfect for cold, rainy days. This simple yet delicious recipe comes together effortlessly in your crock pot, making it a delightful meal for busy days or cozy evenings at home. It’s packed with nutrition from green split peas and an array of vegetables, creating a satisfying dish that is both economical and entirely vegetarian-friendly. For those who crave a bit of extra flavor, you have the option to add andouille or Polish sausage. Serve it alongside crusty bread for a wholesome, tasty experience that everyone will love.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried split green peas
8 ounces (Rinsed)
Onion
1/2 cup (Diced)
Carrot
1/2 cup (Diced)
Celery
1/2 cup (Diced)
Bay leaf
1 (Whole)
Chicken stock or vegetable stock
3 cups (Liquid)
Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Bouquet garni
1 teaspoon (Herb blend)
Andouille sausage or Polish sausage
1/4 lb (Sliced (optional))
Instructions
1
Rinse the dried split green peas under cold water and then place them in the bottom of your crock pot.
2
Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery on top of the peas, followed by the bay leaf.
3
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, ensuring that the liquid covers all the ingredients. If using, add the kosher salt, black pepper, and bouquet garni at this stage.
4
Secure the lid on the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, adjusting for your appliance's cooking times. Alternatively, this recipe can be cooked on high for 2 to 3 hours.
5
If you are adding sausage, cook it separately (ideally by grilling) and then stir it into the soup during the last 20 minutes of cooking. For a quicker option, you can microwave the sausage and add it at the table.
6
For a vegetarian option, prepare the soup with vegetable stock and serve the sausage on the side, allowing diners to customize their bowls.
7
Towards the end of cooking, taste the soup, adjusting seasonings if necessary; it may need additional salt, pepper, or herbs. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8
Enjoy the soup with crusty bread and store any leftovers in the fridge for several days or freeze for future meals. If desired, this recipe can easily be doubled in a large crock pot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this recipe called?
The recipe is for Hearty Split Pea Soup with Optional Sausage.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by using vegetable stock and omitting the optional sausage.
What type of peas are used in this soup?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of dried split green peas.
Do I need to soak the peas before cooking?
No, you simply need to rinse the dried split green peas under cold water.
What vegetables are needed for the soup?
You will need diced onion, carrot, and celery.
How long does the soup take to cook on low in a crock pot?
It takes 4 to 6 hours on the low setting.
Can I cook this soup on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 2 to 3 hours.
What kind of stock should I use?
You can use either chicken stock or vegetable stock.
How much stock is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cups of stock.
What type of sausage is recommended for this recipe?
Andouille sausage or Polish sausage are recommended.
How should the sausage be prepared?
The sausage should be cooked separately, ideally by grilling, then sliced and added to the soup.
When should I add the sausage to the crock pot?
Stir the cooked sausage into the soup during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
What if I am in a hurry to add the sausage?
You can microwave the sausage and add it directly to individual bowls at the table.
What is a bouquet garni?
A bouquet garni is a herb blend used to flavor the soup; this recipe uses 1 teaspoon.
Should I remove any ingredients before serving?
Yes, remove the bay leaf before serving the soup.
How should I season the soup?
Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and herbs to taste towards the end of cooking.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
It is best served alongside crusty bread.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled if you have a large crock pot.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for several days or frozen for future meals.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is packed with nutrition from split peas and vegetables and is considered a healthy option.
Is this an expensive recipe to make?
No, this is described as an economical and low-cost meal.
What are the primary seasonings?
The primary seasonings are bay leaf, kosher salt, black pepper, and bouquet garni.
What is the preparation for the onion, carrot, and celery?
Each should be diced and you need 1/2 cup of each.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that comes together effortlessly.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a crock pot or slow cooker.
What is the description of the soup's flavor?
It is described as comforting, hearty, and delightful.
Can I serve the sausage on the side?
Yes, for a vegetarian-friendly option, you can serve the sausage on the side so diners can customize their bowls.
What kind of weather is this soup best for?
It is perfect for cold, rainy days or cozy evenings at home.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include soup, crock pot, vegetarian, split peas, comfort food, and slow cooker.