When the winter chill sets in, your body craves something warm and filling. This high protein split pea soup is exactly what you need right now. It is thick, savory, and incredibly comforting for those frosty evenings.
You will love how easily this recipe fits into your busy schedule. It delivers a massive protein boost to keep you satisfied for hours. This is the ultimate nourishing bowl for your healthy reset goals.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This soup is a total game-changer for your weekly meal prep routine. It actually tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. You get a massive protein hit from the bone broth and turkey.
It is very budget-friendly and uses simple pantry staples you likely have. You can feed your whole family with just one large pot. It makes your kitchen smell absolutely amazing while it simmers away.
The Easy Process
You do not need fancy skills to master this one-pot wonder. Most of the work is just letting the soup simmer on the stove. This allows the peas to soften into a silky texture naturally.
You will start by softening your aromatic vegetables first. Then, you simply add the rest and let the heat do the work. It is a very forgiving recipe for any home cook.
What You Will Need
- 1 lb dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken bone broth
- 1 lb smoked turkey leg or lean diced ham
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions
- Place a large heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until the onions are translucent, approximately 6 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika, stirring constantly for 60 seconds to release aromatics.
- Pour in the chicken bone broth and add the rinsed split peas, smoked turkey leg, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot partially and simmer for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and have begun to break down into a creamy consistency.
- Remove the smoked turkey leg from the pot, strip the meat from the bone, finely shred it, and return the meat to the soup.
- Discard the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve your soup in deep bowls with a crack of fresh pepper. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty whole-grain bread for dipping. You can add a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
This is a fantastic option for a quick weekday lunch at your desk. It feels like a warm hug during a long winter afternoon. Your coworkers will definitely ask you for the recipe.
Keep It Fresh
Store your leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for five days. The soup will thicken significantly as it cools down in the refrigerator. Simply add a splash of water or broth when you reheat it.
You can also freeze this soup for up to three months easily. Reheat it on the stove over low heat until steaming hot. This makes it the perfect backup meal for busy nights.
Tips for Best Results
- Rinse your split peas thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.
- Don’t skip the bone broth because it adds extra protein and depth.
- Wait to add extra salt until the very end of cooking.
- Avoid boiling the soup too hard or the peas might stay tough.
- Use a smoked turkey leg for the most authentic winter flavor.
- Stir the pot occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking.
- Shred the meat finely so you get some in every single bite.
Make It Your Own
- Try using smoked ham hocks if you cannot find turkey legs.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Stir in some fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
- Use vegetable broth and liquid smoke for a vegetarian version.
Quick Answers
Do I need to soak the peas?
No, split peas do not require any soaking before you cook them. They will soften perfectly during the simmering process on your stove.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook this on low for about seven hours. It is a great set-and-forget option for your busy work days.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Most kids love the mild and creamy texture of this healthy soup. You can blend it smooth if they prefer a uniform consistency.
I hope this hearty soup keeps you warm and fueled all winter long. It is the perfect way to nourish your body while keeping things simple. Happy cooking!
— Emily
Ingredients
Method
- Place a large heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until the onions are translucent, approximately 6 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika, stirring constantly for 60 seconds to release aromatics.
- Pour in the chicken bone broth and add the rinsed split peas, smoked turkey leg, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot partially and simmer for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and have begun to break down into a creamy consistency.
- Remove the smoked turkey leg from the pot, strip the meat from the bone, finely shred it, and return the meat to the soup.
- Discard the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.
