Warm and hearty, this smoked turkey split pea soup is the perfect dish to enjoy on a cold day. Made with smoked turkey, split peas, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying. The smoky flavor from the turkey, combined with the creamy texture of the split peas, creates a comforting soup that is sure to please everyone. It's easy to make and requires minimal preparation, making it a great option for a quick and filling meal. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked turkey, diced
- 1 cup dried split peas
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced smoked turkey and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the turkey from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the dried split peas, bay leaves, dried thyme, and the cooked turkey back into the pot. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes or until the split peas are tender.
- Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, do it in batches and be careful as the hot soup can splatter.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the smoked turkey split pea soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy this comforting and flavorful soup!
