Green Split Pea Smoked Turkey (Printable)
Discover a hearty, flavorful meal with tender green split peas, smoky turkey, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for comfort.
# What You'll Need:
→ Legumes
01 - 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed and picked over
→ Meats
02 - 1 pound smoked turkey leg or wing
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 large onion, diced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Liquids
07 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
08 - 1 cup water (more as needed)
→ Spices and Seasonings
09 - 2 bay leaves
10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - Salt, to taste
→ Garnish (optional)
13 - Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they have softened.
02 - Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the rinsed split peas, smoked turkey leg or wing, bay leaves, dried thyme, and freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Pour in the chicken or turkey broth and water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Carefully remove the smoked turkey from the pot; allow it to cool slightly. Shred the meat from the bone, discarding any skin and bones.
06 - Return the shredded turkey meat to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the split peas are very tender and the soup has achieved a desired thickened consistency. Add more water if necessary.
07 - Remove and discard the bay leaves. Season the soup with salt to taste.
08 - Serve the hearty split pea soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chasing away the chill on the coldest days.
- The depth of flavor from the smoked turkey makes it incredibly satisfying, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.
02 -
- Always rinse your split peas thoroughly and pick them over; you'd be surprised what tiny bits can hide in there.
- Don't add salt until the very end, as the smoked turkey can contribute a fair amount of salinity to the broth during simmering.
03 -
- If your soup becomes too thick during the second simmer, gradually add a little more hot water or broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- For an even richer flavor, sauté a small amount of diced bacon or pancetta before adding the aromatics, reserving a few crispy bits for garnish.