A Quick, Healthy Soup to Warm You on Cold Nights

Chilly winter evenings call for a bowl of hearty, steaming soup.  But on a busy weeknight who has the time to prepare homemade soup after a day at work?  I’ve got a great solution for a quick, easy and healthy homemade split pea soup that will take you no more than an hour from start to finish!

If that’s not great news–it’s also a hit with my whole family, plus it’s budget-friendly.  Seriously, this recipe is a win-win.  I serve it with some fresh bread or rolls and you can also make a side salad if you choose.  I had enough soup leftover for two lunches and that was after my husband and both teens went back for seconds.  I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as mine does.

Easy Split Pea Soup

2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 package (16 oz.) dried green split peas
9 cups water, divided*
1 pound smoked turkey sausage, browned and sliced
4 medium carrots, thinly sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
*you can use vegetable broth in place of water if you choose

In large pot cook celery and onion in olive oil until tender.  Add split peas and 6 cups of water or broth, bring to a boil and reduce heat, cover and simmer for 25 minutes.  Stir in smoked sausage, carrots, potatoes, basil, salt, pepper and remaining water or broth.  Return to a boil, reduce heat and cover and simmer for another 20-25 minutes until peas and vegetables are tender.  Serve hot.  Yield: 3 quarts or 12 servings.

See all posts