Description
This High Protein Classic Split Pea Soup is a hearty and nutritious meal, packed with tender split peas, shredded chicken breast, and a medley of aromatic vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, this soup combines the wholesome flavors of carrots, celery, and garlic with the richness of low-fat milk, delivering both taste and protein in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 cup split peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Protein and Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil to prepare the base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, enhancing flavor and sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, releasing its aroma into the mixture.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced carrots and chopped celery, stirring them into the sautéed onions and garlic.
- Cook Vegetables: Allow the vegetables to soften slightly by cooking for 3-4 minutes, building the soup’s flavor base.
- Add Herbs: Sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary over the vegetables, mixing well to blend the herbs evenly.
- Add Main Ingredients: Stir in split peas, bay leaf, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper, preparing the soup for simmering.
- Bring to Boil: Increase heat to high to bring the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing heat.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes until the split peas are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Check Consistency: Monitor the thickness of the soup during simmering and add more broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
- Remove Bay Leaf: Discard the bay leaf once the peas have fully softened.
- Add Chicken: Stir in shredded cooked chicken breast to incorporate protein and texture into the soup.
- Pour Milk: Add low-fat milk to the mixture, stirring evenly to combine all flavors.
- Final Simmer: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat the chicken thoroughly and meld flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season with additional salt or pepper as desired for balance.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs for added aroma and presentation.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth only.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the chicken and milk.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or water during simmering if the soup becomes too thick.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme make excellent garnishes.
