Green Split Pea Soup (Printable)

Earthy peas with smoky turkey create a comforting, nourishing meal ideal for chilly days.

# What goes in:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb smoked turkey wings or drumsticks

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Peas & Legumes

06 - 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed

→ Liquids

07 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water

→ Herbs & Spices

08 - 2 bay leaves
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt, to taste

→ Others

13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn.
03 - Add rinsed split peas, smoked turkey, bay leaves, thyme, black pepper, and smoked paprika to the pot. Pour in broth or water and stir thoroughly to combine.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Remove turkey pieces from pot. Shred meat from bones, discarding skin and bones. Return shredded meat to the soup.
06 - Continue simmering uncovered for 20–30 minutes until peas are completely tender and soup reaches desired thickness. Add additional water if soup becomes too thick.
07 - Season with salt to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smoked turkey creates an incredible depth of flavor that develops even more the next day
  • It freezes beautifully and actually tastes better after the flavors have mingled for a day or two
  • This soup costs pennies per serving but tastes like something from a fancy restaurant
02 -
  • The soup will continue thickening as it cools, so do not worry if it seems slightly thin when you turn off the heat
  • Smoked turkey can vary in saltiness depending on the brand, so always taste before adding additional salt
  • If the soup becomes too thick, simply add more water or broth a half cup at a time until you reach the desired consistency
03 -
  • Rinse the split peas until the water runs completely clear to remove any dust or debris
  • Use a ladle to skim any foam that rises to the top during the initial boil for a clearer soup
  • For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially purée a few cups of the finished soup

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