Heartwarming Canadian Split Pea Soup

Heartwarming Canadian Split Pea Soup

As the winter winds blow, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of warm, homemade soup. The Canadian split pea soup is a classic dish known for its rich flavor and heartiness. It’s a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations and is particularly popular in Quebec, where it’s often referred to as ‘Soupe aux pois’. This recipe will guide you through the simple steps to create this delightful comfort food from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of dried split peas
• 8 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 diced onion
• 2 diced carrots
• 2 diced celery stalks
• 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham (optional for vegetarians)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Begin by sorting through your split peas to remove any debris and then rinse them under cold water.
2. In a large pot, add the 8 cups of broth and bring it to a boil.
3. Add the rinsed split peas to the boiling broth along with the ham bone (if using), bay leaf, and dried thyme.
4. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the pot. Allow the peas to cook for about 1 hour, or until they become tender and start breaking down, stirring occasionally.
5. In the meantime, heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
6. Once the split peas are tender, remove the ham bone (if used), and add the sautéed vegetables to the soup pot.
7. If you’re using diced ham instead of a bone, add it to the pot now.
8. Season the soup with black pepper and add more salt if necessary.
9. Continue to simmer the soup for another 10 to 15 minutes, until all ingredients are well combined and the soup has reached your preferred consistency.
10. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
11. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot to your desired texture.

This Canadian split pea soup is best served hot and can be garnished with a sprig of thyme or a small handful of croutons for added texture. Perfect for a cozy night in, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection during the colder months.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this robust soup with a slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll for dipping. It’s also lovely when accompanied by a green salad for a complete and nutritious meal.

Storage:

Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little water or broth to thin it if the soup has thickened in the fridge.

Note:

If you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a smoky flavor by incorporating liquid smoke or smoked paprika to mimic the taste that the ham would traditionally provide.

Enjoy your homemade Canadian Split Pea Soup!