Oh, soup! Is there anything more comforting, more versatile? I could eat soup every single day, especially when the weather turns chilly. And let me tell you, I’ve got a recipe that’ll knock your socks off: Green Split Pea Soup with Mint! It’s one of my all-time favorites. The classic, hearty split pea base gets a zingy, fresh upgrade from the mint, and you just *have* to try it!
I’ve always loved tinkering in the kitchen. My grandma, bless her heart, basically taught me everything I know about cooking. She used to say, “The best recipes are those that bring a little sunshine to the table.” And this soup? It’s pure sunshine in a bowl. It’s become my go-to when I need a warm hug on a cold day, and I just know you’re going to love it too.
Why You’ll Love This Green Split Pea Soup with Mint
Honestly? This soup is a winner on *so* many levels. First off, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Like, even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ve got this! Then there’s the flavor – it’s a total flavor explosion, thanks to that fresh mint. It’s also super healthy, packed with good-for-you stuff, and super budget-friendly, making it a great meal any night of the week. And, big win, it’s perfect for meal prepping. You’ll thank me later!
Ingredients for the Best Green Split Pea Soup with Mint
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Trust me, the fresher the better for this soup, but don’t stress if you can’t get *everything* organic. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy Green Split Pea Soup with Mint:
- 1 tablespoon of good quality olive oil – it makes a difference, I promise!
- 1 medium onion, chopped. Any kind works beautifully, but I usually go for yellow.
- 2 carrots, chopped. Gives the soup that lovely sweetness.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped. Adds a bit of savory goodness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Because, well, garlic!
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Or, if you’re fancy, a tablespoon of fresh thyme, roughly chopped.
- 8 cups of vegetable broth – use your favorite brand!
- 1 pound of green split peas, rinsed. Make sure they’re nice and clean.
- Salt and pepper to taste – season generously!
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish. This is the secret star of the show!
See? Nothing too crazy, and all of it is super easy to get.
How to Make Green Split Pea Soup with Mint: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Green Split Pea Soup with Mint is so simple to make, it’s almost silly. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of deliciousness in no time. I promise!
Preparing the Vegetables
First up, grab your big pot – the bigger, the better! Pour in the olive oil and set the heat to medium. Toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them, stirring every now and then, until they get nice and soft. That should take about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender, but not browned. Be careful, it splatters!
Adding Aromatics and Broth
Next, it’s time to amp up the flavor! Add the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for just a minute more, until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma – that means it’s ready! Now, pour in the vegetable broth and add those rinsed split peas. Give it a good stir to make sure everything’s mixed up nicely.
Simmering the Green Split Pea Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, and then turn down the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it bubble away for 45-60 minutes. The key here is to let the split peas get *super* tender. They should practically melt in your mouth! Give the soup a stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. Don’t worry, it’ll thicken up nicely as it simmers.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Once the split peas are tender, it’s time to season! Add salt and pepper to taste – I usually start with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, and then adjust from there. Stir in that fresh mint – the moment your kitchen starts smelling amazing. Finally, take a ladle, and pour yourself a bowl of this beautiful Green Split Pea Soup with Mint. Garnish with a little extra fresh mint, and you’re good to go! Enjoy!
Tips for Success with Your Green Split Pea Soup with Mint
Okay, friends, wanna know my secrets for knocking this Green Split Pea Soup with Mint out of the park every single time? Well, listen up! First things first: the broth matters! I *always* use a good quality vegetable broth. It seriously boosts the flavor. Trust me on this!
Next thing: taste as you go! Seasoning is *everything*. Start with a little salt and pepper, and then sneak a taste. Does it need more salt? Some more pepper? Does it need a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat? You are the boss of your soup. And finally, don’t overcook those split peas! You want them tender, but not totally mushy. That makes all the difference! Enjoy the process!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Green Split Pea Soup
Okay, let’s chat about the ingredients and what you can switch out if you need to! First up, the mint: if you can’t get fresh mint (which, honestly, is the *best*), you can totally use dried mint. Just use about a teaspoon of dried mint instead of the fresh stuff. However, fresh mint really packs a flavor punch, so I highly recommend it!
Now, about the broth. The recipe calls for vegetable broth to keep it vegan, but don’t sweat it if you only have chicken broth on hand. Just know that if you go with chicken broth, your Green Split Pea Soup won’t be strictly vegan anymore. Also, feel free to toss in other veggies too if you have them. A bay leaf during the simmering step adds a lovely depth of flavor that is worth a try. You can’t really mess this one up. Have fun!
Variations to Elevate Your Green Split Pea Soup with Mint
Okay, so you’ve made the soup, and you love it. Now, let’s get a little crazy! This Green Split Pea Soup with Mint is a fantastic base, so you can totally play around with it. Want to pack in even more veggies? Throw in some chopped spinach or kale towards the end of the simmering process. It wilts down and adds a nutritional boost!
Feeling spicy? Add a teaspoon of cumin or coriander with the thyme and garlic for a whole new flavor dimension. And for you meat-eaters out there? Toss in a ham hock while the soup simmers. It adds smoky, savory depth that’s just… *chef’s kiss*! Remember, cooking is about having fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect version!
Serving Suggestions for Your Green Split Pea Soup
So, you’ve made this amazing Green Split Pea Soup with Mint, and now you want to know what to serve with it, right? Well, let me tell you, the possibilities are endless! My personal favorite? A big, crusty loaf of bread, perfect for dunking into all that delicious, herby goodness! Wow!
A fresh side salad is always a great choice, adding a nice bit of crispness and freshness to balance the soup’s heartiness. Or, if you’re in the mood for something extra cozy, a grilled cheese sandwich is pure comfort food bliss. Seriously, any of these will make this meal so good! You can’t go wrong.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Green Split Pea Soup with Mint
Okay, so, you made a big batch of this amazing Green Split Pea Soup with Mint, and trust me, there’s nothing wrong with that! Leftovers are where it’s at. Lucky for us, it stores and reheats like a dream. Here’s what you need to know:
To store, let the soup cool completely. Then, pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it! I like to use freezer-safe bags or containers. In the freezer, it’ll last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Delicious!
Reheating is super simple! You can gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Or, for a quick fix, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl. Just make sure to stir halfway through to get it heated evenly. Careful, it splatters!
Nutritional Information for Green Split Pea Soup
Alright, folks! Now, keep in mind this is just an estimate, since the exact numbers can shift depending on the brands of ingredients you use and how much you throw in. But here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting in each serving (about a cup) of this delicious Green Split Pea Soup:
Calories: Around 250! But don’t start counting, though.
And remember, these are just ballpark figures. Enjoy your soup, and don’t get too caught up in the numbers!
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Green Split Pea Soup with Mint
- Total Time: 75 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple and flavorful soup made with green split peas and fresh mint.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pound green split peas, rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add split peas. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until split peas are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in mint.
- Garnish with fresh mint before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender.
- Add a ham hock for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 60 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
