Alright guys, I love me some split pea soup on a cool day. And Emeril’s is oh so good!
The secret to this hearty soup is in the combination of flavors from the ham hock, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly cooked split peas.
You’ll want to take your time with this one!
Let the soup simmer slowly so the peas to break down and meld with the rest of the ingredients beautifully.
How to Make Emeril Lagasse Split Pea Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 cups Yellow Onions (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tbsp Garlic (chopped)
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 lb Green Split Peas (rinsed)
- 8 cups Chicken Broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onions, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cook while stirring for about 2 minutes.
Step 2:
Include the chopped garlic and bay leaf into the pot.
Cook for another minute, maintaining gentle stirring to prevent sticking.
Step 3:
Add the rinsed split peas and chicken broth to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a medium setting.
Step 4:
Allow the soup to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 hour or until the peas are tender.
If the soup begins to thicken too much, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5:
Once the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh garlic and onions enhance the flavor of the soup.
Paying attention to freshness can make a noticeable difference in taste.
Adjust Spice to Taste
If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes.
You can customize the spice level to match your preference easily.
Experiment with Broth
Switching chicken broth with a vegetable broth can make a great vegetarian version.
The substitution is quick and keeps the depth of flavor intact.
Make Ahead
Split pea soup is a great meal prep option since it stores well.
Prepare it in advance, and the flavors will deepen over time.
Rinse Peas Thoroughly
When rinsing the peas, ensure they are clean and free from any debris.
This small step ensures the soup has a smoother consistency.
What to Serve with Emeril Lagasse Split Pea Soup
Crusty Bread
You can’t go wrong with some crusty bread! Slices of a fresh baguette or a rustic sourdough are perfect for dipping.
The texture provides a great contrast to the creamy soup.
Green Salad with Vinaigrette
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette brings a refreshing crunch. It adds a nice balance to the hearty soup.
Use mixed greens or even just romaine.
Sausage Links
For extra heartiness, serve sausage links on the side! They complement the ham in the soup and add savory flavor.
Consider Italian or smoked sausages.
Creamy Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a bit outside the box but trust me, it works! The creamy texture pairs well with the soup, and the tanginess cuts through the richness.
Just a small serving will suffice.
Apple and Cheddar Cheese Platter
A platter of sliced apples and cheddar cheese adds a sweet and savory element. It’s a fun way to offer something different.
The crisp apples provide contrast, while the cheese enhances the robust flavors.
Pickle Relish
Adding a side of pickle relish can surprise you with a burst of flavor. It’s tangy and slightly spicy, offering a refreshing bite that perks up the meal.
Perfect for adventurous eaters!
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily customize Emeril Lagasse’s split pea soup recipe to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs!
Some people prefer using different types of meat, such as smoked turkey or bacon, instead of ham.
For a vegetarian version, you can skip the meat entirely and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
Spice Adjustments
Want to adjust the spice level?
You can add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or reduce them for a milder soup.
Additional Vegetables
Consider adding extra vegetables like carrots or celery for added texture and flavor!
Alternative Seasonings
Herbs like thyme and bay leaves bring an earthy taste.
You can experiment with others such as parsley or rosemary.
Consistency Options
If you prefer a smoother soup, try blending part of it with an immersion blender.
For a chunkier texture, simply reduce the blending time or skip it altogether.
How to Store Leftover Emeril Lagasse Split Pea Soup
Cooling the Soup
It’s best to let the soup cool for about 30 minutes before storing it in the refrigerator.
Using shallow containers can speed up the cooling process by allowing the soup to cool more evenly.
Choosing the Right Container
Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work great for storing your soup, ensuring it stays fresh and tasty.
Be sure to use airtight lids to prevent any odor from seeping in or out of the containers.
Refrigeration Guidelines
You can keep leftover split pea soup in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
If you anticipate needing more time, consider freezing portions of your soup immediately after cooling.
Freezing for Longer Storage
Divide the soup into individual portions before freezing, making reheating a breeze later on.
Make sure to leave some room at the top of each container to allow the soup to expand as it freezes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skimping on Simmer Time
If you rush, the peas might not soften enough.
Make sure you let the soup simmer for a good hour to achieve a smooth texture!
Take it slow, enjoy the aromas as they fill your kitchen, and trust the process.
Forgetting to Stir
Stirring every so often is key when making split pea soup.
It’s easy to forget, but this prevents the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
A gentle stir every 15 minutes or so will do wonders for consistency.
Using the Wrong Broth
Be selective with your broth choice.
Using a strong-flavored or overly salty broth can overpower the soup’s delicate flavors.
A milder chicken or vegetable broth allows the flavors of the split peas and seasonings to shine through.
Emeril Lagasse Split Pea Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 cups Yellow Onions chopped
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tbsp Garlic chopped
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 lb Green Split Peas rinsed
- 8 cups Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onions, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook while stirring for about 2 minutes.
- Include the chopped garlic and bay leaf into the pot.
- Cook for another minute, maintaining gentle stirring to prevent sticking.
- Add the rinsed split peas and chicken broth to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a medium setting.
- Allow the soup to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 hour or until the peas are tender.
- If the soup begins to thicken too much, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.