Nourish your soul and warm your heart with Martha Stewart's classic Split Pea Soup, a comforting and nutritious dish that's perfect for chilly days. This iconic recipe, a staple in Martha's kitchen, combines simple ingredients to create a rich, velvety soup that's as delightful to the taste buds as it is easy on the wallet.
Why Martha Stewart's Split Pea Soup is a Timeless Favorite
Martha Stewart's Split Pea Soup is more than just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transports you to a cozy, inviting kitchen. The secret lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The split peas create a creamy base, while the ham hock or smoked turkey adds a smoky, savory depth. The vegetables—carrots, celery, and onions—provide a sweet, earthy undertone, and the fresh herbs lend a bright, aromatic finish. It's a symphony of flavors that harmonize beautifully, making this soup a timeless favorite.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before you start, gather your ingredients: 1 pound of dried split peas, a ham hock or smoked turkey leg, a mirepoix (carrots, celery, and onions), garlic, fresh thyme and bay leaves, and vegetable or chicken broth. You'll also need some salt and pepper to taste.
To begin, rinse the split peas and pick out any stones or debris. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, combine the peas, ham hock or smoked turkey, mirepoix, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about an hour, or until the peas are tender.
Once the peas are cooked, remove the ham hock or smoked turkey and discard the bones. Stir in the broth, and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it's smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley before serving.
Pro Tip: Make Ahead and Freeze
Split Pea Soup is an excellent make-ahead meal. Prepare it up to two days ahead, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and deepen, making it even more delicious. You can also freeze leftovers for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Martha Stewart's Split Pea Soup is a hearty, satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:
- Crusty bread, like a baguette or sourdough, for dipping.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches or cheese toasties for a classic combination.
- A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
- Croutons or crispy bacon for added crunch.
Nutritional Information
Split Pea Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (assuming 6 servings per batch):
| Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbohydrate | Dietary Fiber | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 | 5g | 1g | 15mg | 800mg | 55g | 18g | 20g |
