The Best Split Pea Soup Recipe: Hearty Bacon & Homemade Parmesan Croutons
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when the weather cools down and you’re craving a meal that feels like a hug. And when that soup is a beloved classic like Split Pea Soup, enhanced with the savory crispness of bacon and the delightful crunch of homemade parmesan croutons, it transcends a simple meal to become an unforgettable culinary experience. This year, we’re joining a special celebration, National Split Pea Soup Week, with a recipe that is truly a standout, demonstrating just how incredible this humble legume can be.
Be honest, did you know it was National Split Pea Soup Week? I certainly didn’t, until I had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with The USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council. Their mission is to spread awareness about the versatility, nutritional power, and environmental benefits of pulses, and what better way to do that than by showcasing a timeless classic? I’m absolutely thrilled to share this amazing recipe with you and join in promoting the goodness of split peas during this special week!
Discovering the Power of Pulses: The Magic of Split Peas
Before we dive into the delicious details of this recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the star ingredient: split peas, and their broader family known as pulses. Pulses are the edible seeds of legume plants, harvested for their dry grain. This diverse group includes dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and various types of beans. They are incredibly versatile, serving as a staple ingredient in countless cuisines and culinary traditions around the world, whether used whole in hearty stews and vibrant salads or ground into flours for baking and thickening.
From a nutritional standpoint, pulses are true powerhouses. They are absolutely packed with essential nutrients, making them a fantastic and beneficial addition to any diet. You’ll find them exceptionally rich in plant-based protein, dietary fiber, iron, and a wealth of antioxidants. This impressive nutrient profile contributes to a feeling of fullness and sustained energy, making them excellent for managing weight, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and promoting overall digestive health. The high fiber content is particularly beneficial for gut health, acting as a prebiotic to nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Beyond their profound health benefits, pulses like split peas are also remarkably budget-friendly. In an era where food costs are a constant concern, incorporating dry peas into your meals offers an economical way to enjoy nutritious and satisfying dishes without compromising on quality or taste. What’s more, they contribute significantly to your recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables – often counting as two servings in a single, hearty dish! Essentially, they’re affordable, delicious, and incredibly good for you. It’s a win-win-win situation that benefits both your health and your wallet. Their long shelf life and ease of storage also make them a practical pantry staple, always ready to be transformed into a nourishing and comforting meal at a moment’s notice, reducing food waste and increasing meal flexibility.
My First Time Making Split Pea Soup: A Delicious Experiment
Do you have a particular dish that you adore ordering at restaurants but have always been too intimidated to attempt at home? For me, that dish was split pea soup. I absolutely adore its hearty, earthy flavor and wonderfully creamy texture, but for some reason, I had always considered it a complex recipe best left to professional chefs. This collaboration, however, was the perfect catalyst I needed to overcome my hesitation and dive headfirst into the rewarding world of homemade split pea soup!
My culinary adventure began with an enthusiastic trip to the grocery store, where I stocked up on several bags of dried green split peas. I was determined to experiment until I perfected a recipe that truly captured the essence of what I loved about this classic comfort food. The beauty of split pea soup lies in its incredible adaptability and forgiving nature. There are countless variations, each offering a unique twist on this comforting dish, making it a truly versatile meal.
Some cooks prefer a chunky, more stew-like consistency, brimming with diced potatoes, carrots, and perhaps even a smoky ham hock for extra depth. Others swear by a silky, velvety smooth puree that melts in your mouth. You can incorporate other grains like barley for added body and texture, or infuse it with different herbs and spices to match your personal palate. And when it comes to cooking methods, split pea soup is equally flexible: it can be simmered gently on the stovetop, slowly cooked in a crock pot for hands-off convenience and rich flavor development, or prepared in a heavy Dutch oven for even heat distribution and a wonderfully deep flavor profile. Its inherent versatility truly makes it a fantastic canvas for whatever ingredients you have on hand or specific flavors you’re craving, allowing for endless customization.
Crafting the Perfect Bowl: Bacon & Parmesan Croutons
For my rendition of this timeless soup, I opted for a combination that delivers both profound flavor and a luxurious, creamy texture. I chose to cook the soup in a sturdy Dutch oven, which provides excellent heat retention and allows for consistent, even simmering, crucial for tender peas. To achieve that signature creamy consistency I adore, I pureed the soup at the end, transforming it into a velvety smooth delight. And oh my, did it turn out spectacularly! This isn’t just a good soup; it’s an exceptionally flavorful, deeply satisfying, and wonderfully hearty one that truly impressed my toughest critics.
The foundation of this incredible soup starts with savory bacon. Browning the bacon directly in the Dutch oven not only renders it perfectly crispy for a delicious topping, but also infuses the pot with rich, smoky bacon fat – the perfect aromatic base for sautéing the vegetables. Onion, carrot, and celery are gently cooked until softened and translucent, absorbing all those wonderful smoky nuances. Then, minced garlic is added, releasing its fragrant aroma. Next come the star ingredients: the green split peas, vegetable or chicken broth, and a harmonious blend of seasonings including salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning, along with a couple of bay leaves to add a subtle, herbaceous depth and complexity. Simmered patiently until the peas are incredibly tender and have almost completely broken down, the broth thickens naturally, creating a beautiful, cohesive base for the final puree.
After a quick whirl in the blender (working in batches, for a perfectly smooth consistency), the soup emerges silky, vibrant, and incredibly aromatic. But what truly elevates this split pea soup from great to extraordinary are the toppings. A generous sprinkle of the reserved crispy bacon bits adds an irresistible salty, smoky crunch that perfectly complements the creamy soup. And then, there are the homemade parmesan croutons – golden, garlicky, and packed with savory cheesy flavor. These aren’t your average store-bought croutons; made from cubes of fresh French bread tossed with olive oil, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a touch of salt, and a grind of pepper, then baked until gloriously crisp, they provide an essential textural contrast to the smooth soup. That satisfying crunch in every spoonful is pure bliss and adds another layer of delightful flavor. My family absolutely raved about this soup, declaring it a new favorite, and I’m confident yours will too!
Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup Recipe
There are countless compelling reasons to add this bacon and parmesan crouton split pea soup to your regular meal rotation. Firstly, it’s incredibly wholesome and deeply nutritious, primarily thanks to its star ingredient, green split peas, which are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. This means it’s not just a supremely tasty meal, but one that keeps you feeling full and satisfied for hours, helping to prevent those unwelcome mid-afternoon energy slumps and unhealthy snacking. Secondly, it’s remarkably economical. Dry split peas are consistently one of the most cost-effective ingredients available on the market, allowing you to create a hearty, family-sized meal without putting a significant dent in your budget. This makes it a perfect and practical choice for weekly meal planning, feeding a large family, or preparing delicious, healthy meals on a tight budget.
Beyond its significant health and budget benefits, this soup offers a symphony of flavors that is pure, unadulterated comfort in a bowl. The smokiness of the bacon perfectly complements the earthy, slightly sweet notes of the peas, creating a deeply satisfying base. Meanwhile, the aromatic vegetables – carrots, celery, onion, and garlic – are lovingly sautéed to build a rich, savory foundation that gives the soup its complex depth. The homemade parmesan croutons aren’t merely a decorative garnish; they are a crucial and integral component, adding a delightful textural contrast and a burst of salty, cheesy goodness that truly elevates every single spoonful. It’s a complete and balanced meal in itself, requiring minimal fuss and straightforward steps but delivering maximum flavor, warmth, and nourishment. Whether you’re a long-time split pea soup aficionado or trying this classic for the very first time, this particular recipe is meticulously designed to impress, comfort, and nourish your entire family.
Split Pea Soup with Bacon & Parmesan Croutons
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Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bacon
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups green split peas rinsed and sorted
- 1 tsp. salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 tsp. italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- For the Homemade Parmesan Croutons:
- 4-5 slices white french bread stale is best, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large, heavy Dutch oven or a sturdy soup pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes wonderfully crispy. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the crispy bacon pieces and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Set the bacon aside for topping. Reserve the bacon drippings in the pot.
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If you find you have more than 1-2 tablespoons of bacon drippings remaining in the pot, carefully drain off the excess, leaving just enough to sauté the vegetables. Add the sliced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook these aromatics over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent and wonderfully fragrant.
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Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Add the rinsed and sorted green split peas, along with the salt, freshly ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, and the bay leaves. Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and allow it to cook undisturbed for approximately 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Continue cooking until the split peas are incredibly soft and have begun to break down, naturally thickening the soup to a rich consistency.
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While the soup is simmering, take this time to prepare your homemade parmesan croutons. Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Spread the cubed French bread evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and toss the bread cubes gently to ensure they are all lightly and evenly coated. Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and a grind of fresh pepper. Toss again until the seasonings are well distributed. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the croutons are gloriously golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Be sure to keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent them from burning.
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Once the soup has finished cooking and the peas are tender to your liking, remove and discard the bay leaves. Carefully taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired to enhance the flavors. Working in batches, carefully transfer portions of the soup to a high-speed blender or food processor. Puree until the soup is completely smooth and creamy. Return the pureed soup to the pot to keep warm over very low heat while you finish preparing your toppings, or serve it immediately.
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Ladle the hot, creamy split pea soup into individual serving bowls. Generously crumble the reserved crispy bacon over each bowl, distributing it evenly. Then, top each serving with a handful of the golden, homemade parmesan croutons. Serve immediately and savor every delicious, hearty spoonful. Enjoy the perfect blend of smoky, earthy, and cheesy flavors that make this soup an absolute delight!
Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup
- Rinsing Split Peas: Always rinse your split peas thoroughly under cold running water before cooking. While not strictly necessary for cleanliness, it helps remove any dust or small debris and ensures the purest flavor for your soup.
- No Soaking Required: Unlike many other dried legumes, split peas do not require presoaking. Their split nature allows them to cook relatively quickly, usually becoming tender within an hour or so, making this a convenient and spontaneous meal option.
- Achieving Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy, velvety smooth soup, don’t be afraid to let the peas cook down thoroughly until they are practically dissolving. If your stand blender isn’t powerful enough to get a super smooth texture, an immersion blender can also work wonders directly in the pot. Just be careful of splashes!
- Seasoning to Perfection: Always taste and adjust seasonings generously at the end of the cooking process. The flavors will concentrate as the soup cooks, but a final touch of salt and pepper can truly elevate the overall taste and balance, making a significant difference to the finished dish.
- Vegetarian Option: To easily adapt this recipe for a vegetarian diet, simply omit the bacon entirely and use olive oil or another vegetable oil to sauté your vegetables. For a hint of smoky flavor without the meat, you can add a dash of smoked paprika or a tiny amount of liquid smoke to the soup. Naturally, ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover split pea soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it excellent for meal prep. It also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. When reheating, the soup tends to thicken significantly, so you might need to add a splash of extra broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
More Comforting Soup Recipes to Enjoy
If you loved this hearty split pea soup, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more of my favorite comforting soup recipes that are perfect for any season, bringing warmth and delicious flavors to your table. These are tried and true recipes that I know you and your family will adore:
Southwestern Corn Chowder
Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Stew
Thai Butternut Squash Soup
There you have it – a truly remarkable split pea soup recipe that will warm you from the inside out and satisfy your deepest comfort food cravings. Whether you’re celebrating National Split Pea Soup Week or simply craving a delicious, wholesome, and budget-friendly meal, this recipe, with its smoky bacon and crunchy parmesan croutons, is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate to give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!