Goya Split Pea Soup Recipe

Goya Split Pea Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for those cold, rainy days when you need something warm and nourishing. With its vibrant green color, smooth texture, and rich flavor, this soup is a perfect balance of savory goodness. The beauty of split pea soup lies in its simplicity – a few basic ingredients like split peas, vegetables, and seasonings can come together to create something truly spectacular.

But there’s something uniquely special about Goya’s take on this classic soup. Goya products are known for their consistent quality and bold flavors, so when you add their ingredients to your dish, you’re guaranteed a savory, well-balanced meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch, this recipe is bound to impress.

So, let’s dive into this incredibly flavorful Goya Split Pea Soup recipe, explore all the ingredients you’ll need, some helpful cooking tips, and variations you can try to make it your own.

This recipe offers a hearty bowl of split pea soup with a twist of flavor that Goya products bring. The dish is rich, nutritious, and satisfying, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. You’ll love how the spices and smoky ham infuse the soup with depth, making each spoonful a comforting experience.

Ingredients Needed

1 bag (16 oz) Goya Split Peas – These are the star of the show. Goya’s split peas are high-quality and consistent, ensuring a creamy texture once cooked.
1 medium onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for adding a punch of flavor.
2 medium carrots, diced – For sweetness and texture.
2 celery stalks, chopped – A great addition for that subtle earthiness.
1 smoked ham hock or 1 ½ cups diced ham – Smoky, savory flavor that’s key to this soup’s soul.
6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth – The liquid base for the soup, adding flavor and richness. You can adjust this for more or less consistency depending on preference.
1 bay leaf – A must for that subtle herbal note.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – Thyme adds an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the peas.
Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Adjust to your preference, but make sure to taste as you go.
Olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and providing a touch of richness.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the peas: Rinse the Goya Split Peas in a colander under cold running water. This will help remove any dirt or debris and prevent the soup from becoming too starchy.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté them until softened (about 5-7 minutes). This will help develop the flavors.
Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the broth and ham: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then toss in the smoked ham hock or diced ham. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the split peas: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the split peas. Stir everything together, ensuring the peas are evenly distributed.
Simmer the soup: Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Stir occasionally. If you’re using a ham hock, you can remove it after the soup is done cooking, remove the meat from the bone, and add it back into the soup.
Blend (optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup. Blend until you achieve your desired consistency.
Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Garnish (optional): Garnish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a slice of crusty bread for a fuller meal.

Ingredient Insights

Goya Split Peas: Split peas are a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Goya’s split peas are split to perfection, giving them the ability to break down easily during cooking and create a smooth, creamy base for your soup. The richness that they contribute is unmatched.
Smoked Ham Hock or Ham: The ham hock is the perfect addition because of its smoky flavor, which gives the soup that authentic, deeply savory taste. You can also use diced ham if you prefer, but the ham hock tends to add more depth to the soup due to the marrow and bone.
Vegetables (Onion, Carrot, Celery): These are the aromatic vegetables that form the backbone of any great soup. They help build the foundational flavor and provide essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.
Herbs (Bay Leaf, Thyme): Bay leaf adds an earthy, slightly floral aroma while thyme gives a deeper, woodsy note. Together, they create a well-rounded herbal flavor that complements the earthy peas.
Broth: The choice of broth (chicken or vegetable) can influence the soup’s flavor. Chicken broth adds richness, while vegetable broth keeps it lighter, though still full of flavor.

Expert Tips

Pre-soak the peas: Though not mandatory, soaking the split peas overnight can help reduce cooking time and make them even more tender when cooked.
Low and slow is key: This soup benefits from a long, slow simmer. The longer you let it cook, the more the flavors meld together. However, if you’re short on time, you can always adjust the cooking time to your needs.
Balance the texture: If the soup gets too thick, add more broth or water. If it’s too thin, continue to cook it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce it to the desired consistency.
Use a good-quality ham: The ham really makes this soup shine, so try to use high-quality smoked ham or ham hocks. The extra flavor from the fat and bone will add a lot of depth to the soup.

Recipe Variations

Vegan Version: Skip the ham entirely and replace the broth with vegetable stock. Add in extra vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or leeks for added flavor and texture.
Spicy Version: Add some red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even a jalapeño pepper to give your soup a spicy kick.
Herbaceous Twist: Try adding some fresh herbs at the end of cooking. Fresh parsley, dill, or even a little rosemary can bring a fresh note to balance the richness of the peas.
Creamy Split Pea Soup: After cooking, you can blend a portion of the soup with a little cream or coconut milk for a richer, velvety texture.
Meat-Free Protein: Add plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh if you prefer a meat-free version but still want a protein boost.

Final Words

Goya Split Pea Soup is the kind of dish you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly filling, and packed with nutrients, making it both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re using it as a quick lunch or preparing it as a cozy family dinner, this recipe is versatile enough to suit your taste and dietary needs.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but don’t let that fool you – every spoonful is loaded with flavor. The Goya products elevate the taste, ensuring that each ingredient shines through. Once you make this soup, you’ll understand why it’s such a timeless dish. And if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with some of the variations to make it your own!

Goya Split Pea Soup Recipe