Campbell Split Pea Soup Recipe

Campbell’s Split Pea Soup is a classic comfort food that has stood the test of time. With its earthy flavors, rich texture, and ability to satisfy hunger, it’s a go-to dish for those chilly days when you need something both hearty and comforting. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the iconic Campbell’s brand or someone seeking to recreate this delicious soup from scratch at home, you’re in for a treat. There’s something about the smooth, velvety nature of split peas combined with smoky ham, fragrant herbs, and a dash of seasoning that makes this soup irresistible.

In this guide, we’ll explore the classic Campbell Split Pea Soup recipe, go through the essential ingredients needed, give you a step-by-step breakdown of the cooking instructions, provide ingredient insights, offer expert tips, dive into potential recipe variations, and wrap it all up with some final thoughts and conclusions. Ready to dive into a bowl of warm goodness? Let’s get started!

Campbell Split Pea Soup Recipe

The Campbell Split Pea Soup is a nostalgic recipe that many people associate with family dinners and cold winter nights. It’s the perfect example of a dish that brings comfort in a bowl-simple ingredients, flavorful results. Here’s a breakdown of the recipe.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups dried split peas
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1 smoked ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
• 6 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Optional: Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Making split pea soup from scratch might sound a bit intimidating, but trust me-once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s super straightforward! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating that iconic Campbell Split Pea Soup.

1. Prep Your Ingredients

   • Start by rinsing your split peas under cold water to get rid of any dirt or impurities. Set them aside.
   • Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Having all your ingredients ready will make the cooking process smoother.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
   • Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

3. Add The Garlic & Ham

   • Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
   • If using a ham bone, add it to the pot now. If you prefer diced ham, add it as well. Let the ham pieces mingle with the vegetables for a couple of minutes.

4. Add The Split Peas And Broth

   • Now, it’s time to add the split peas and chicken broth (or water). Stir everything together to combine.
   • Drop in a bay leaf for that signature aromatic flavor and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer And Cook

   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
   • If you used a ham bone, you can remove it once the meat is tender and falls off easily. Shred the ham and add it back into the soup.
   • Continue cooking until the split peas break down and the soup thickens to your desired consistency. You may need to add a little more broth or water if it gets too thick.

6. Final Touches

   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
   • For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to purée the soup slightly, but leave some texture if you prefer a chunkier version.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the key ingredients in this split pea soup recipe can help you tweak the flavors to your liking and also appreciate how each component contributes to the final dish.

• Split Peas

  These tiny legumes are the star of the soup. They’re high in fiber and protein, making them both hearty and nutritious. When cooked, they break down into a creamy, smooth texture that forms the base of the soup. You can find split peas in two colors: green and yellow. Green peas tend to have a more robust flavor, while yellow peas are milder.

• Smoked Ham Or Ham Bone

  The smoky, savory flavor from the ham or ham bone is a key component that elevates the soup’s taste. The richness it imparts to the broth is unmatched. If you don’t have a ham bone, diced ham or even bacon can be a great substitute for that smoky depth.

• Chicken Broth

  Using chicken broth (instead of water) provides a savory background that complements the split peas and ham. It adds a layer of richness to the soup. For a lighter version, you can opt for vegetable broth instead.

• Vegetables (Onion, Carrots, Celery)

  These veggies provide the foundational aromatic base for the soup. Onions bring sweetness, carrots add a touch of earthiness, and celery offers freshness. Together, they balance the heartiness of the split peas and the smoky ham.

Expert Tips

Making soup isn’t rocket science, but there are some things that will take your Campbell Split Pea Soup to the next level:

• Soak Your Split Peas (Optional)

  While it’s not necessary, soaking the split peas overnight can help reduce the cooking time. It also helps with digestion, as it reduces some of the indigestible sugars that can cause discomfort.

• Use Low-Sodium Broth

  Broth can often be high in sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, use a low-sodium chicken broth or make your own at home. You can always add more salt at the end to taste.

• Don’t Rush The Cooking Process

  The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors develop. Be patient-let it cook slowly over a low heat for maximum flavor extraction.

• Use An Immersion Blender For Texture

  For a creamy soup without the mess of transferring to a blender, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. This allows you to control the texture-smooth or chunky-according to your preference.

• Garnish For Color And Flavor

  A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that balances out the richness of the soup.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Campbell Split Pea Soup recipe is beloved for its simplicity, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are some tasty variations:

• Vegetarian Version

  Skip the ham and ham bone entirely. Use vegetable broth, and add more hearty vegetables like potatoes or leeks. You can also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to impart a smoky flavor without meat.

• Spicy Split Pea Soup

  If you like a kick, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. A dash of hot sauce at the end can also bring some heat to the soup.

• Add Potatoes For Extra Heartiness

  To make the soup even more filling, add diced potatoes. They’ll absorb the flavors of the soup and add a comforting, starchy element.

• Herb Variations

  While the bay leaf is classic, adding thyme or rosemary can elevate the soup’s flavor profile. Fresh thyme, in particular, pairs wonderfully with split peas.

Final Words

Making homemade Campbell Split Pea Soup is an easy way to enjoy a bowl of comforting goodness. The rich, smoky flavors of the ham combined with the creamy texture of the split peas make this soup a perennial favorite. Whether you’re making it for yourself on a cold day or serving it to a family on a cozy evening, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction.

The best part? This recipe is versatile. You can swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences, or play around with seasonings to give it your own spin. And with just a few simple ingredients, you can make a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.