You have to try this split pea soup—it’s rich, hearty, and packed with deep, savory goodness!
The way the peas break down into a thick, velvety texture is what makes this soup totally rock.
I always soak my split peas for a couple of hours before cooking because it helps them cook evenly and prevents any unwanted grittiness.
A good soup starts with a strong base, so I make sure to brown the onions just enough to pull out every bit of their natural sweetness.
A final touch of black pepper and a little lemon juice at the end keeps the flavors balanced and fresh.
Serve it hot, and get ready for a an AMAZING meal!
How to Make Wolfgang Puck Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb Dried Split Peas
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 Leek (sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tsp Honey
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup Mint Yogurt (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Begin by melting the butter in a large nonreactive saucepan over medium heat.
Add sliced leeks and minced garlic to the pan.
Sauté until they become soft but not brown.
Step 2:
Stir in the dried split peas.
Add the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil.
Step 3:
Lower the heat to simmer and cover the pot.
Allow the peas to cook until tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4:
Once the peas are tender, use a blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Add honey and lemon juice.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5:
Serve the soup hot with a dollop of mint yogurt on top.
You can also garnish with fresh mint for an extra touch.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Soak Peas Overnight:
Soaking dried split peas overnight can significantly reduce the cooking time and enhance the texture of the soup.
Use Fresh Ingredients:
Fresh leeks and garlic add a distinct depth of flavor you won’t get from dried spices or older produce.
Adjust Consistency:
If you prefer your soup thinner, add more chicken broth when blending to reach your desired consistency.
Flavor Balance:
Adjust the honey and lemon juice to suit your taste, creating a perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
Storage Tip:
This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for a month in airtight containers.
What to Serve with Wolfgang Puck Split Pea Soup
Crusty Bread
There’s nothing quite like pairing a warm bowl of Wolfgang Puck’s split pea soup with crusty bread.
The bread’s crunchy exterior and soft center provide a perfect textural contrast.
A classic baguette or sourdough loaf works wonderfully for this purpose.
Savory Sausages
Sausages can bring a hearty touch to your meal.
Whether opting for the spiciness of chorizo or the mildness of a traditional bratwurst, sausages pair well with split pea soup.
Grill or pan-fry them for a crispy finish.
Monte Cristo Sandwiches
For a unique twist, try serving a monte cristo sandwich.
Its combination of ham and cheese, nestled between crispy bread, complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
Plus, the sandwich’s hearty nature makes for a filling meal.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Greek yogurt chicken salad is another great choice for something different.
The creamy and tangy flavors balance well with the rich split pea soup.
Consider adding some grapes or walnuts to the salad for a sweet and nutty crunch.
Pickled Vegetables
Pickled vegetables can add a refreshing and tangy note to your soup pairing.
The acidity of pickles can cut through the soup’s creaminess.
Serve a small plate of mixed pickles, including cucumbers, carrots, and radishes, to delight your guests.
Garlic Butter Rice
If you’re interested in trying something new, garlic butter rice is worth exploring.
The aromatic garlic mixed with buttery rice offers a comforting side that pairs harmoniously with the soup.
You can even sprinkle a bit of parsley for a fresh green touch.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Proteins
You can swap the ham hock for smoked turkey or bacon if you’re looking for something different.
These options still add that extra depth of smokiness to the soup.
Each adds its own unique flavor profile, so feel free to experiment!
Vegetable Boost
Adding more vegetables like spinach or kale can increase both the flavor and nutrition.
Leafy greens not only blend well but also add a vibrant color.
Just toss them in during the final steps for best results!
Herbs and Spices
Try using herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
These herbs pair beautifully with the earthy flavors of the peas.
A pinch of cumin or curry powder can turn things up a notch for a more exotic taste.
Dairy Options
For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or dollop of yogurt before serving.
If you’re dairy-free, coconut milk works as a fantastic alternative.
Each option provides a different sort of creaminess to customize the soup to your taste preferences.
How to Store Leftover Wolfgang Puck Split Pea Soup
Use Airtight Containers
You should transfer the leftover soup to an airtight container, which helps keep the flavors fresh and maintain the soup’s quality.
Make sure to leave some space at the top to allow for the soup to expand when it gets colder.
I find that using glass containers works best, but any airtight option will do!
Refrigeration Tips
If you’re planning to eat the soup within a few days, you can store it in the refrigerator.
The soup will stay good for up to five days when properly sealed.
It’s always nice to have an easy lunch option ready!
Freezing for Longer Storage
You can freeze any soup you won’t consume within those five days.
Split the soup into several freezer-safe containers or bags for easy portioning.
It can last up to three months this way, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready whenever you want!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls while making Wolfgang Puck’s split pea soup!
Neglecting Flavor Balance
Avoid making the soup too salty or bland.
Balance is key, so taste as you go to find what’s missing.
You may need a touch more salt or acidity for that perfect blend.
Cooking Without Adequate Time
Patience is your friend here.
Split peas need time to break down and become creamy.
If the peas are still firm, let the soup simmer longer.
Overlooking Ingredient Freshness
Fresh ingredients, like mint or lemon for garnishing, make a huge difference.
Using stale or expired spices can dull the flavors.
Keep your ingredients fresh to maintain that lively taste.

Wolfgang Puck Split Pea Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Dried Split Peas
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 Leek sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tsp Honey
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 cup Mint Yogurt for serving
Instructions
- Begin by melting the butter in a large nonreactive saucepan over medium heat.
- Add sliced leeks and minced garlic to the pan.
- Sauté until they become soft but not brown.
- Stir in the dried split peas.
- Add the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil.
- Lower the heat to simmer and cover the pot.
- Allow the peas to cook until tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the peas are tender, use a blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Add honey and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup hot with a dollop of mint yogurt on top.
- You can also garnish with fresh mint for an extra touch.