Green Split Pea Soup (Printable)
A warming blend of green split peas, smoked turkey leg, and savory vegetables for comfort.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 smoked turkey leg (approximately 1 pound)
→ Legumes
02 - 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 bay leaf
→ Liquids
08 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt, to taste
→ Optional Garnishes
13 - Chopped fresh parsley
14 - Croutons
# Directions:
01 - Heat a splash of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
03 - Add rinsed split peas, smoked turkey leg, bay leaf, and broth to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover pot and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
05 - Remove lid and continue simmering for 30 minutes, or until peas are completely tender and soup has reached desired thickness. Split peas should break down naturally to create creamy texture.
06 - Remove turkey leg from pot and discard bay leaf. Shred meat from bone, removing skin and bones. Return shredded meat to pot and stir to distribute evenly.
07 - Taste soup and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. For smoother consistency, partially blend with immersion blender while leaving some texture intact.
08 - Serve hot in bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or croutons if desired. Serve with crusty bread for complete meal.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The smoked turkey leg infuses every spoonful with incredible depth without needing hours of babysitting
- This soup actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd throughout the week
02 -
- The soup will continue thickening as it cools, so don't panic if it seems thinner than you expected right off the stove
- Always let the turkey leg cool slightly before shredding, trying to handle it hot is a painful mistake I've made exactly once
03 -
- Rinse your split peas in a mesh strainer until the water runs clear, this removes dust and debris you don't want in your soup
- Make a double batch and freeze portions in individual containers for those emergency need-comfort-food days