Andersen Split Pea Soup Recipe

Ah, Andersen’s Split Pea Soup. For those who know it, this isn’t just a soup – it’s a comforting bowl of nostalgia. Whether you’ve had it at one of their famed restaurants or just heard the buzz about this hearty dish, it’s a meal that stays with you. The combination of split peas, tender vegetables, and smoky ham creates a flavor profile so rich that it feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that signature bowl of goodness at home, I’m here to guide you through it. This recipe brings together a delicate balance of textures and flavors with every spoonful. Ready to dive into this deliciously wholesome dish? Let’s break down everything you’ll need to know to make Andersen’s famous split pea soup yourself.

Andersen Split Pea Soup Recipe

This is a traditional, hearty, and smoky split pea soup that closely mimics the one made famous by Andersen’s restaurants. It’s rich, full of flavor, and best served with a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients Needed

To get started, let’s talk ingredients. No surprise here, this recipe relies heavily on a few simple yet key ingredients that come together to create a soul-satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Green Split Peas (2 cups): Split peas are the star of the show. They soften beautifully and give the soup its creamy consistency. They also bring a nutty, earthy flavor to the dish.
• Ham Bone (1 large, or 2-3 cups of diced ham): For that smoky richness, the ham bone is the heart of the flavor base. If you don’t have a ham bone, diced ham will do the trick, but nothing compares to the depth of flavor a bone brings to the pot.
• Carrots (3, diced): A touch of natural sweetness and a slight crunch, carrots help balance out the soup’s heartiness.
• Celery (2 stalks, diced): Celery adds a fresh, aromatic undertone that lightens up the heavier flavors.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): This provides a savory base and rounds out the flavor profile with its gentle sweetness as it cooks.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Garlic brings an extra layer of savoriness and depth, enhancing all the flavors in the soup.
• Bay Leaves (2): A little hint of herbal aroma that’s just enough to elevate the whole pot without being overpowering.
• Thyme (1 tsp, dried or 2 tsp fresh): This herb brings a subtle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the split peas and ham.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): These basic seasonings are crucial to bring all the flavors together.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth (6-8 cups): The broth is what makes the soup come together and creates that rich, comforting liquid base. Chicken broth will give it more body, while vegetable broth will keep it lighter.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing the vegetables at the start, ensuring they soften and release all their flavors.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is a fairly straightforward process, but it does require patience for those flavors to come together. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Prep The Ingredients

   • Dice your onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
   • If using a ham bone, cut off any excess fat and set it aside. If using diced ham, just have it ready.

2. Sauté The Veggies

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking until the onions become translucent and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
   • Toss in the diced carrots and celery, and sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Simmer The Soup

   • Add the split peas to the pot and stir everything together.
   • Pour in the broth, ensuring the ingredients are covered by at least an inch of liquid.
   • Throw in the bay leaves and thyme.
   • If using a ham bone, add it now (if not, just add the diced ham).
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas have broken down and the soup reaches a creamy consistency.

4. Adjust Seasonings

   • Remove the ham bone once the meat is tender and has fallen off the bone (about 1.5 hours in).
   • Shred any remaining meat and return it to the soup.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like it extra smoky, a dash of smoked paprika is a great addition!

5. Serve

   • Once the soup has thickened and the flavors have melded, it’s time to serve. Ladle into bowls and enjoy with some crusty bread on the side.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient plays an essential role in making Andersen’s split pea soup what it is:

• Split Peas: They’re not only nutritious but also create a velvety texture once cooked. They absorb the smoky ham flavors while adding their own rich taste.
• Ham Bone: The marrow from the bone and any leftover meat adds a deep, smoky richness that transforms the soup from good to spectacular.
• Carrots and Celery: These vegetables add color, texture, and a natural sweetness that balances out the soup’s savory qualities.
• Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs act as subtle background flavors, enhancing the overall depth of the soup without taking center stage.

Expert Tips

Want to make sure your split pea soup turns out just like Andersen’s? Here are some tips from the pros:

• Don’t Skimp on the Broth: Using a rich, flavorful broth will make all the difference. Chicken broth, in particular, adds a layer of umami that makes the soup more robust.
• Simmer Low and Slow: The key to achieving that creamy consistency is a long, slow simmer. This allows the peas to break down and thicken the soup naturally, without the need for added cream or thickeners.
• Blend for Extra Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to blend part of the soup using an immersion blender. It’ll give you a velvety soup without losing the texture of the peas and veggies.
• Double the Recipe: This soup stores really well in the fridge for a few days and also freezes beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make extra.

Recipe Variations

While the traditional version of Andersen’s split pea soup is fantastic on its own, here are a few variations to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Split Pea Soup: Skip the ham entirely and use vegetable broth. For extra flavor, toss in smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the ham’s smokiness.
• Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot for a kick of heat.
• Creamy Version: If you’re craving a creamier texture, you can stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
• Add More Vegetables: You can toss in some extra veggies like parsnips, potatoes, or even leeks for more depth and texture.

Final Words

Making split pea soup at home means you’re crafting a meal that’s both nourishing and hearty. Whether you’re trying to replicate the beloved Andersen’s recipe or putting your own spin on it, this soup has a way of bringing warmth and comfort to any table. The layers of flavors, from the smoky ham to the tender peas and vegetables, combine to create a meal that fills the belly and soothes the soul.

If you’ve never made split pea soup from scratch, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re an experienced cook, this recipe is still a winner – easy, customizable, and so satisfying.