Table of Contents
Split peas are made from regular peas that are dried and split in half. In South Africa, we love using split peas and other legumes to make wonderful winter warmer soups, such as the split peas soup in this recipe.
Most people prepare split pea soup with some beef bones for that meaty flavour. You are welcome to have it as a meat-free soup, but in most cases, it’s had with a meaty protein.
The soup is then served with some bread smeared with a generous amount of margarine or hot pap. This soup reminds me of my late grandmother; it was her go-to soup on cold winter nights when we would visit her for school holidays—memories to cherish.
Is It Necessary to Soak Split Peas Before Cooking?
You don’t necessarily need to soak split peas before cooking, but some people do it though and it helps to hasten cooking time. What’s necessary is for you to rinse thoroughly and remove all particles to avoid indigestion.
Why Is Split Pea Soup so Gassy?
Split pea soup can be gassy due to the presence of complex carbohydrates and fibres in split peas. These compounds are not fully broken down during digestion, leading to gas and bloating in some individuals.
Why Are My Split Peas Still Hard After Cooking?
Split peas may remain hard after cooking due to several factors, such as insufficient cooking time, using old or stale split peas, or cooking them at too low of a temperature. Ensure split peas are cooked at a simmer for the recommended time, and use fresh, good-quality split peas for best results.
What if Split Pea Soup is Too Thick?
If your split pea soup is too thick, you can adjust it by adding additional water or broth. then stir gradually until the desired thickness is reached.
Is Split Pea Soup Healthy for Weight Loss?
Split pea soup can be a healthy choice for weight loss due to its low-calorie content, high fibre and protein, and nutrient density.
Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 4 cups hot water
- 500 grams of split peas
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 tablespoon garlic
- 2 tablespoons Southern spice/ BBQ spice
- 2 tablespoons whole spice
- handful of fresh parsley (chopped)
- 3 tablespoon cooking oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Add the water into a deep pot, and add the chicken drumsticks. Boil the chicken for 10 minutes.4 chicken drumsticks
- Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the water and add the split peas into the same water to allow that meaty flavour to soak into the peas. Boil for 35-40 minutes or until soft.500 grams of split peas
- While the split peas are cooking, remove the chicken from the bones and cut it into smaller pieces (Do not discard the bones).
- Add a little bit of cooking oil in a pan, followed by the onion. Fry until translucent, and then add the spices as well as the chicken.1 medium onion (chopped), 2 tablespoons whole spice
- Once the peas are soft enough and break apart, add the chicken mixture in the soup, followed by the parsley. Allow to simmer for a few minutes.handful of fresh parsley (chopped)
- Serve the soup with pap or bread. (It is best served straight from the pot)
