Hearty Split Pea and Lentil Soup Recipe
Hungry and looking for a dish that will satiate not just hunger, but also the soul? Look no further than my Split Pea and Lentil Soup with Vegetables recipe! As an Israeli chef, I believe that there are few things in life more satisfying than a hearty bowl of soup on a cold night. This recipe not only fills that need but is also packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that will give your body the fuel it needs to keep going strong.
What sets this soup apart is the combination of split pea and lentils, which provides a rich depth of flavor and satisfying texture. These legumes blend beautifully with onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes to create a flavor profile that is complex yet comforting. The addition of paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh basil enhances the savory flavor and gives a wonderful aroma. Whether in need of something quick and healthy or needing warmth on a chilly day, this soup has got you covered.
As someone who has spent years perfecting this dish, I can assure you that it’s fool-proof if you stick to the recipe. Even better- it’s incredibly versatile! Don’t worry if you do not have all the vegetables on hand! You can always make substitutions or add variations to suit your taste preferences. Rest assured that whether you are cooking for yourself or feeding your family and friends, this soup will become an instant favorite at your table.
So grab a ladle, fill your bowl to the brim, and cozy up with a warm blanket as you savor every sip of this delectable Split Pea and Lentil Soup with Vegetables recipe- Your taste buds will thank you later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you on the hunt for a flavorful and hearty soup that warms your bones on a chilly evening? Look no further than this Split Pea and Lentil Soup with Vegetables recipe! I guarantee that once you taste this soup, you’ll be utterly hooked.
Firstly, this soup is packed with nutritious ingredients. Lentils and split peas are both excellent sources of plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Carrots, onions, celery, and tomatoes add incredible flavor to the soup while also contributing a variety of vitamins and minerals to it.
But more than just nutrition, this soup is delicious. The combination of garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper creates an aromatic base for the broth that you won’t be able to resist. The addition of fresh basil at the end adds a refreshing touch that balances out the earthy flavors of the legumes perfectly.
Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you want to cook it in a slow cooker or an instant pot or on the stovetop, you can always make this soup work with whatever appliance you have on hand. You can also experiment with various substitutions and variations using the ingredients mentioned in the list.
Lastly, it’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs. Hosting a big family dinner? Double or triple the recipe. Cooking for one? You can easily halve the amounts of all ingredients without sacrificing any flavor.
In summary, you’ll love this Split Pea and Lentil Soup because it’s healthy, flavorful, versatile, and easy-to-make. It’s a vegetarian-friendly recipe that even meat-lovers will enjoy. So why not give it a try tonight? Your taste buds (and body) will thank you!
Ingredient List
Before getting into the recipe, let’s check all of our necessary ingredients that we will be using to make this delightful Split Pea and Lentil Soup with Vegetables Recipe. All the veggies, lentils, and spices together make a fantastic combination.
- 1 cup of Dried Split Peas
- 1 cup of Red Lentils
- 8 cups of Vegetable Broth
- 2 large Onions
- 3 stalks of Celery
- 2 Carrots
- 4 cloves of Garlic
- 1 Bay leaf
- Olive oil (1 large onion chopped, 3 stalks celery chopped)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Paprika and Fresh Basil
Now you have a clear idea what ingredients are required. If you need to adjust anything according to your preferences or dietary needs feel free to do so. In case you don’t want to go through the hassle of chopping and preparing vegetables, you may always get frozen vegetables as an alternate option. Let’s move onto ‘The Recipe How-To’ section!
The Recipe How-To
Let’s dive in and start cooking this delicious Split Pea and Lentil Soup with Vegetables Recipe. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a warm meal during a cold winter day, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Before we begin cooking, let’s get all the ingredients ready. Start by finely chopping 1 large onion, 3 stalks of celery, 2 carrots, and 4 cloves of garlic. Heat a pot medium-high heat with 2 tbsps of olive oil, and once hot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, stirring frequently until softened.
Step 2: Add the Lentils and Split Peas
Next, add 1 cup of dried lentils and 1 cup of split peas to the pot. Add 8 cups vegetable broth and one bay leaf to the pot. We’re using vegetable broth to keep this dish vegan but feel free to use chicken or beef broth if that suits your preference. Bring everything to boil then reduce to a simmer.
Step 3: Let it Cook
Allow the soup to cook for about 45 minutes under low heat while occasionally stirring until they’re tender.
Step 4: Seasoning
Once you attain tender legumes and greens to marry into one bowl with nutritional content at its best. Season your soup with fresh basil leaves,1 tsp of paprika, salt (to taste), and black pepper (to taste).
Serve this soup warm with an extra drizzle of olive oil on the top for added flavoring.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this split pea and lentil soup recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can easily swap out some ingredients or add-ons to create new flavor profiles and adapt the recipe to your preference. Below are some substitution and variation ideas you can try.
– Swap split peas for green or yellow lentils: If you don’t have split peas on hand, you can use any type of lentils as a substitute. Green or yellow lentils will work well in this recipe.
– Use different veggies: While the combination of onion, celery, carrots, and tomatoes works well in this recipe, you can experiment with other vegetables. For example, you could use potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or bell peppers instead.
– Add meat: For a heartier version of the soup, you could add diced ham, bacon bits, or cooked sausage at the end of the cooking process.
– Spice it up: If you like your soup with a little more heat and flavor, try adding some paprika, cumin, or chili powder to the mix.
– Make it vegan: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but if you want to make it vegan-friendly too, just skip the butter (or use vegan butter substitute) and use vegetable broth instead.
These are just some ideas to get you started. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find out what works best for your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
This Split Pea and Lentil Soup with Vegetables recipe is versatile enough to be served as a main course or as a side dish, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
To enjoy the soup at its best, serve it hot, garnished with some fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of paprika. You can also drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over the top to give it an extra boost of flavor.
For pairing suggestions, consider serving this soup with a crusty baguette or a slice of sourdough bread. The bread will complement the heartiness of the soup and allow you to soak up every last bit of broth.
A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette would also make for an excellent accompaniment. The crispness of the greens would balance out the warm soup and provide a refreshing contrast.
If you want to turn this soup into a full meal, you could add some protein to the dish. For example, you could add some cooked and diced ham or bacon to the soup before serving. Alternatively, you could serve some grilled chicken on the side.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of lentils or split peas to give this classic recipe a new twist. Whatever way you choose to enjoy this delicious soup, one thing’s for sure: it is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Split Pea and Lentil Soup with Vegetables recipe is an ideal make-ahead meal that you can store in the refrigerator or freezer to use later. The soup can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer if you store it properly.
When reheating, simply transfer the soup to a pot and warm over medium heat. You can add more vegetable broth if the soup has thickened too much while stored. When reheating from frozen, allow the soup to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat as usual.
If you plan on making this recipe ahead of time, you can prepare all the ingredients as directed until step 4 when you add in the vegetable broth. At this stage, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
When making this soup ahead of time, be aware that some of the vegetables may become softer after being stored and reheated. To prevent this, you can keep some of the vegetables separate and add them in when reheating.
This hearty soup makes a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights or an easy lunch option during your workdays. Just make sure to store it properly and follow these simple steps for reheating it for a delicious meal anytime.
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing split pea and lentil soup is an easy and enjoyable experience that requires attention to details. As a chef with years of experience, I have put together a few tips to ensure that your soup turns out perfectly every time. From seasoning to texture, these tips will help you get the most out of your ingredients and cooking techniques.
1. Seasoning is key: Don’t forget to add the paprika, pepper, and salt at the right time. These are essential elements of the recipe that give the soup its unique flavor profile. When seasoning, be sure to start with small amounts and adjust until you reach your desired taste.
2. Olive oil: Use high-quality olive oil to add flavor and richness to your soup. Olive oil added at the end of cooking can enhance the final taste.
3. Fresh basil: Add some fresh basil as a garnish or stir in as it adds an aromatic quality to the dish, elevating its overall appeal.
4. Cook lentils separately: Cook red lentils first or separately so they don’t turn into mush when added later in the recipe.
5. Vegetables: Chopped vegetables, celery, onion, tomatoes, and carrots, need to be of equal size for even cooking. To avoid overcooking vegetables like carrots and celery, cut them into smaller pieces.
6. Slow cooker method: I recommend using a slow cooker if you have one for making this pea soup recipe; it lets flavours meld beautifully over time.
7. Liquid level: If too much liquid is evaporating during cooking, reduce heat or add more broth/water as needed.
8. Split pea texture: After soaking the peas, rinse them thoroughly before using them in the recipe. Once they are cooked, make sure they are blended evenly to achieve a smooth consistency.
Keeping these tips in mind while preparing your split pea and lentil soup with vegetables will help you achieve excellent results every time. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences with others and experiment with different variations or substitutions as well!
FAQ
As we near the end of our Split Pea and Lentil Soup recipe article, it is important to address any lingering questions or concerns that may arise. In this section, we will cover some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot any issues that may come up during the cooking process. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner in the kitchen, understanding common concerns and how to solve them can make all the difference in your final dish. Let’s dive into some common FAQs!
Which is healthier lentil soup or split pea soup?
When it comes to comparing a cup of lentils and split peas, lentils tend to have higher levels of protein, iron and fiber. Lentils also provide a substantial amount of potassium at 772 mg, which makes them a great source of essential nutrients.
Do lentils and split peas cook at the same rate?
When it comes to legumes, lentils are the quick and easy option. Unlike beans or split peas, lentils cook in just 25 minutes without needing to be soaked beforehand. However, they do need to be sorted and washed before cooking.
Are split peas and lentils soaked in water before cooking?
When dealing with lentils and split peas, no pre-soaking is required, thus reducing the steps in the cooking process. However, it is still advisable to give them a thorough rinse before cooking.
Is split pea soup the same as lentil soup?
Even though split peas and lentils are both members of the legume family, they originate from diverse forms of legumes. Split peas come from a distinct type of pea that is cultivated for drying, known as field pea. Lentils, on the other hand, are not peas at all, but a unique type of legume harvested as seeds from the plant and then dried.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Split Pea and Lentil Soup with Vegetables recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that you will thoroughly enjoy. It is packed with healthy ingredients such as split peas, lentils, and vegetables, making it a perfect addition to your diet. With the versatility of using either a slow cooker, pressure cooker or stovetop cooking, you can adjust your preparation method based on your preferences and schedule.
This soup is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for a quick meal later on. You can also experiment with different substitutions and variations such as using green peas, green lentils or adding ham hock to create a unique flavor profile.
So why not give this vegan lentil soup recipe a try? I guarantee that you’ll love it! The aroma of fresh basil, garlic cloves, paprika and pepper mixed with the vegetables and lentils will fill up your home with an amazing fragrance that will make your mouth water. Plus, not only does it taste great, but it’s also good for you. It’s an excellent source of protein and fiber with low-fat content.
This Split Pea and Lentil Soup recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something warm, comforting and nourishing. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Split Pea and Lentil Soup With Vegetables Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces split peas
- 8 ounces lentils
- 1 1/2 cups carrots, cut into bite size pieces
- 2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 10 leaves fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 small red potatoes, cut into half inch cubes
- 1 bunch Baby Spinach
- 1 (12 ounce) can V8 vegetable juice
Instructions
- Rinse lentils and split peas well then add to boiling water and simmer until done, about 40 minutes keep checking water before this adding if water goes below beans, drain.
- Heat olive oil in large pot, saute onions and garlic over medium heat until onions are clear about 5 minutes.
- Add celery, carrots and 1 cup of water, simmer until al dente.
- Add 4 cups water and cooked lentils and split peas.
- Squeeze tomatoes, add juice and friut to pot.
- Add v8 juice, salt, pepper, paprika, and basil to pot.
- Bring to a boil reduce heat to simmer. Add potatoes and spinach, simmer until potatoes are done about 30 minutes, stirring at least every 10 minutes.
- Garnish with parmasean cheese.