There’s just something about a bowl of warm, comforting soup, isn’t there? Especially when it’s this incredibly simple yet bursting with flavor Green Split Pea Soup with Mint. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, or a refreshing burst of sunshine on a gloomy day. My earliest memories of this soup are from potlucks at my grandmother’s house. She’d always have a big pot simmering, and the unique twist of fresh mint in her split pea soup always made it stand out. It’s so easy to whip up, and that hint of mint just elevates it from good to absolutely phenomenal.
Why You’ll Love This Green Split Pea Soup with Mint
This soup is a winner for so many reasons, trust me!
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, chopping veggies and letting it simmer is the hardest part. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with Flavor: The humble split pea gets a vibrant makeover with fresh mint and classic aromatics.
- Healthy & Hearty: It’s naturally vegan, loaded with fiber and protein to keep you full and satisfied.
- So Versatile: Great as a light lunch or a more substantial starter. It just fits any occasion!
Gather Your Ingredients for Green Split Pea Soup with Mint
Okay, let’s get our soup-making party started! You’ll want to grab these simple things from your pantry and fridge. Don’t worry, they’re all super common and easy to find. Getting good quality split peas makes a difference, so try to find ones that look nice and fresh – a nice vibrant green! And for the mint, fresh is absolutely the way to go. You can usually find lovely bunches at the grocery store or farmer’s market.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (just a good glug!)
- 1 large onion, chopped up nicely
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped too
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (you know, those little chopped bits)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 8 cups vegetable broth (or even chicken broth if you’re not keeping it vegan)
- 1 pound green split peas, make sure to rinse them really well!
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (this is where you can play around!)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped up fine, plus a little extra for that pretty garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Green Split Pea Soup with Mint
Alright, let’s get cooking! This soup is seriously straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a steaming bowl of deliciousness. Just follow these simple steps, and you’re golden. It’s so rewarding to see those simple ingredients transform into something so comforting! If you love vibrant, healthy bowls, you might also enjoy this amazing green smoothie recipe too.
Sautéing the Aromatics
First things first, grab a big pot or Dutch oven. Heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them get all soft and a little fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This is where all the foundational flavor really starts to build, so don’t rush it!
Adding Garlic and Thyme
Now, add your minced garlic and dried thyme. Give it a quick stir and cook for just about another minute. You want to smell that lovely garlic and thyme, but be careful not to burn the garlic – it can get bitter fast!
Simmering the Split Peas
Pour in your vegetable broth, then dump in those rinsed green split peas. Give it a good stir. Bring the whole thing up to a boil, then immediately turn the heat down to low, cover it, and let it simmer away. You’re looking for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until those peas are super tender and have broken down nicely. Rinsing the peas beforehand gets rid of any dust or debris and helps them cook more evenly. It’s quite a transformation, almost like magic!
Finishing Touches: Mint and Seasoning
Once those peas are tender, it’s time for the magic! Stir in your chopped fresh mint – this is what makes it special! Season generously with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a taste and adjust as needed. That fresh mint right at the end really brightens everything up, giving it a lovely lift that you wouldn’t expect, kind of like a lighter version of other creamy pea and mint soups.
Tips for the Best Green Split Pea Soup with Mint
Okay, so you’ve made the soup, and it’s already great, right? But if you want to take it from “really good” to “OMG, I need more,” here are a few of my favorite tricks. These little things really make a difference and ensure you get that perfect bowl every single time. It’s all about those small details that make home cooking so rewarding!
Achieving Creaminess
If you’re like me and love a super creamy soup, don’t be afraid to blend it! An immersion blender right in the pot is my go-to. Just carefully swirl it around until it’s as smooth as you like. If you don’t have one, you can ladle some soup into a regular blender, but be super careful! Fill it only halfway, hold the lid down tight with a towel, and start on low speed. It makes it wonderfully velvety, almost like a creamy potato soup, but with peas!
Flavor Boosters
Want to add a bit more oomph? A classic move is to toss in a ham hock or a leftover piece of bacon with the split peas when they’re simmering. It adds this incredible savory depth that’s just *chef’s kiss*. Even if you’re keeping it vegan, a little pinch of smoked paprika can give it a nice smoky undertone. I also love adding a little something extra, maybe some extra veggies or even a swirl of coconut milk for richness, similar to what you might do for a hearty potato soup, but with peas!
Serving Suggestions for Your Green Split Pea Soup
This vibrant green split pea soup is pretty satisfying on its own, but you know me, I love a good accompaniment to make it a full meal! It pairs wonderfully with something crusty and delicious. Imagine dipping a piece of warm, fluffy cheesy garlic bread into that hearty soup – heaven! Or, for a lighter option that still feels elegant, a crisp Caesar salad adds a lovely fresh contrast. Either way, you’ve got a delicious and complete meal that’s perfect any day of the week!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This green split pea soup is even better the next day. Pop any extra soup into an airtight container and it’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and hot. If it seems a bit thick, a splash of broth or water will bring it right back to perfection!
Frequently Asked Questions about Green Split Pea Soup
Got more questions about this delightful soup? I totally get it! Here are a few things that pop up often, and I’m happy to spill the beans (or, well, peas!).
Can I use yellow split peas instead of green ones?
You sure can! Yellow split peas will absolutely work. They tend to cook a little faster and break down more easily, giving your soup a slightly different, often smoother, texture. The color will be more of a golden hue than bright green, but the flavor will still be fantastic, especially with that fresh mint!
How long does this split pea soup last?
This soup is a real champ for leftovers! It’ll keep nicely in an airtight container in your refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Honestly, I think the flavors meld even more overnight, making it even tastier! You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months if you want to have it on hand even longer.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Oh yes, absolutely! For a slow cooker version, you’ll want to sauté your onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and thyme first on the stovetop (or just toss them in dry if you’re really short on time). Then, add the rinsed split peas and broth to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the peas are tender. Stir in the fresh mint and seasoning at the very end, just like in the stovetop method. It’s practically foolproof!
What if my soup is too thick?
No worries if your soup thickens up too much, especially after sitting for a bit! It’s totally normal for split pea soup to continue to thicken as it cools. Just stir in a little extra vegetable broth, water, or even some milk (dairy or non-dairy) until it reaches your desired consistency. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a little heads-up, the numbers below are estimates for about a 1-cup serving. They can change a bit depending on exactly what you use and how much you ladle into your bowl. But this gives you a good idea of what you’re getting!
- Calories: Around 250
- Fat: About 5g
- Protein: Roughly 15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
- Fiber: A great source, around 15g!
- Sodium: Around 400mg (can vary a lot with broth!)