Yellow split pea soup that anyone can make!
The humble yellow split pea. Yellow split peas are something that you might hesitate to pick up off the supermarket shelf. I know I’ve skimmed over them a few times in favour of other things. But they are a great way of adding essential nutrition to your soups. Did you know they are packed with fibre? You know, that magic ingredient that your gut loves. And they are a great source of plant based protein, healthy carbs and other important nutrients.
I love this soup because I can put it all in the slow cooker and walk away. If you don’t mind leaving your cooker on overnight, then that’s even more convenient. And be flexible with the spices that you put in. I always put in turmeric for good gut health. And garlic is a no-brainer. But you can add cumin for a bit more zing. And fresh chilli is wonderful too.
When to add salt
I’m a bit of a proponent of not adding any salt to soup until it’s finished. You will need some, especially as it brings out the other flavours. But the bacon in this soup is the unknown factor for salt content. I don’t know whether you’ve noticed, but each time you buy bacon, it seems to be more or less salty than the last lot! So blend the soup first and then add to taste.
Speaking of bacon, I’ve used shortcut in my soup because it has less fat on it. But you can use ordinary long rashers – it will still taste just as great. The other day I slow cooked some silverside. The water from that would have made a great background to this soup. Saves wasting all those wonderful flavours from the stock. Just leave out the bacon though – it will be salty and flavoursome enough with it.
And, if you want a vegetarian version – leave out the soup and add in vegetable stock instead of plain water. For a super creamy version, add some creme fraiche just as you serve it! And don’t forget to grate your favourite cheese on the top too! I love Parmesan or feta.
Yellow split pea soup
You’ll notice that there are only two steps in the instructions! How wonderful is that! This is a great soup to freeze as well. After you blend it and it cools, it will go very thick! So it’s easy to put into containers and not have it spill in the freezer. Get the kids to make it with you. And it’s a great soup to add to a care package for someone living on their own.
Yellow Split Pea and Bacon soup
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 500 grams yellow split peas – dried
- 8 cups water
- 1 large brown onion – roughly diced
- 2 stems celery – thin slices
- 3 large carrots – roughly diced
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp crushed garlic
- 10 pieces short cut bacon, diced or 4 long rashers – diced
Instructions
- Put everything into your slow cooker and set time for 10 hours. Walk away.
- When finished, blend with stick mixer, and serve with grated cheese.
Nutrition
I hope you enjoy this soup and all it’s possibilities for variation. It’s important to have a go to dinner or lunch option that doesn’t cost much to make. But is super nourishing for the whole family.
It’s great with crusty bread too! And if you want to leave out two cups of the water when cooking, it makes enough great dip for a gathering of friends.