The BEST Split Pea Soup

Method6 steps · about 1 hr 35 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Cut 750 g pork chops and 250 g bacon into bite-size pieces. Season the pork with salt and black pepper to taste.

   Uses 750 g pork chops · 250 g bacon (cut into small pieces) · Black pepper to taste for pork and final soup · Salt to taste for pork and final soup

2. 2

   Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp of the total olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork and bacon until browned, lift them out and reserve, then sauté the medium-diced onion (1) in the same pan until starting to brown.

   Uses prepared seasoned pork and diced bacon · 1 onion (medium diced) · 1 tbsp of the 2 tbsp total olive oil

3. 3

   Step 3: Return the seared pork and bacon to the onion pot. Add 2 US quarts water (8 US cups), 500 g dried split peas and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, lower to medium-low and gently cook 60 minutes, stirring about every 15 minutes.

   Simmer peas and meat · 60 minUses seared pork and bacon with sautéed onion · 500 g dried peas · 2 bay leaves · 2 US quarts water (8 US cups) for soup

4. 4

   Step 4: Meanwhile, medium-dice or slice the 2 large carrots, 2 celery stalks, trimmed leek (1) and 4 large peeled potatoes.

   Uses 2 carrots (large carrots, cut into slices or medium dice) · 2 celery stalks, medium-diced · 1 leek (discard green parts and roots, cut into 1/2 inch rings) · 4 potatoes (large, medium diced)

5. 5

   Step 5: Sauté the prepared vegetables in the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a separate pan for a couple of minutes. Add to the simmering soup and gently cook 15 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue until the peas and potatoes are tender and the pork is cooked through.

   Simmer with vegetables · 15 minUses prepared carrots celery leek and potatoes · simmered pork-and-split-pea soup · Remaining 1 tbsp of the 2 tbsp total olive oil

6. 6

   Step 6: Remove the whole bay leaves. Stir in the one handful chopped parsley, season the finished soup with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with the separate extra parsley.

   Uses fully cooked split-pea pork and vegetable soup · 1 handful chopped fresh parsley for finishing · Black pepper to taste for pork and final soup · Salt to taste for pork and final soup · Additional fresh parsley as needed for garnish