Cpk Split Pea Soup Recipe

When it comes to comforting and hearty meals, few dishes hold up as well as a warm bowl of split pea soup. This dish isn’t just for cold weather; it’s versatile, nourishing, and always satisfying. With its creamy texture and subtle, savory flavor, split pea soup has earned its place as a classic in many kitchens. But if you want to take your pea soup to the next level, Cpk Split Pea Soup is the recipe you need. Inspired by the rich, flavorful offerings from California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), this recipe strikes the perfect balance of bold flavors and comforting textures, making it a perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or even as a filling snack.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner just diving into the world of soups, this recipe will guide you step by step. It’s simple yet elegant, with ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Now, let’s dive into the details of creating this amazing bowl of goodness!

Cpk Split Pea Soup Recipe

Making CPK-style Split Pea Soup is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. With a handful of basic ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can recreate this flavorful dish right in your own kitchen. Let’s take a closer look at the recipe, so you can get started!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need for the CPK-inspired split pea soup. It’s a fairly straightforward list, with most ingredients already likely sitting in your pantry or fridge.

• Split Peas: The star of the show! These dried green or yellow peas are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. You’ll need 1-2 cups, depending on how hearty you want your soup.
• Vegetable Broth: A rich, flavorful base for the soup. If you’re not vegetarian or vegan, you could opt for chicken broth instead, but vegetable broth keeps it light and plant-based.
• Onion: A medium yellow onion, finely chopped. This adds the perfect amount of sweetness and depth to the soup.
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color help balance the earthiness of the peas.
• Celery: 2 stalks of celery, diced. This adds a nice crispness and a subtle vegetal flavor.
• Garlic: 3-4 garlic cloves, minced. Garlic is a must in any flavorful soup, bringing a savory richness.
• Bay Leaves: 2 bay leaves for a subtle herbal note.
• Thyme: A few sprigs of fresh thyme. If you only have dried thyme, about 1-2 teaspoons will do.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies. You could use butter for a richer taste, but olive oil keeps it lighter.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. This will bring out all the flavors and enhance the overall taste of the soup.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream for extra texture and flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process. Don’t worry-it’s fairly simple and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.

1. Prep the Veggies: Begin by washing and peeling the carrots, chopping the onion, celery, and garlic. Set them aside in separate bowls for easy access while cooking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pot. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onions become translucent.
3. Add the Split Peas: Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear. Once the vegetables are softened, add the peas to the pot and stir to combine. This step helps the peas absorb the flavors from the aromatics.
4. Pour in the Broth and Seasoning: Add the vegetable broth to the pot (about 6 cups), then toss in the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to mix, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Simmer and Cook: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Make sure to check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking.
6. Blend or Mash (Optional): If you like a creamy soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup to your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, you can mash some of the peas with a potato masher.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this CPK-style split pea soup has a role to play. Here’s a breakdown of why they work so well together:

• Split Peas: These are not only the base of the soup, but they’re also an excellent source of protein and fiber. They have a natural earthy flavor, which balances well with the sweetness of the carrots and the richness of the broth.
• Vegetable Broth: This brings everything together, adding a savory backdrop for the peas and vegetables. Using a good quality vegetable broth will significantly improve the depth of flavor in your soup.
• Carrots and Celery: These vegetables are standard for many soups. Carrots bring natural sweetness, while celery adds freshness and a slight bitterness that balances the dish.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Bay leaves and thyme are classic soup herbs. They infuse the broth with their fragrance, making every spoonful more aromatic. Salt and pepper bring everything into focus and help highlight the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: This acts as the base for sautéing the aromatics, allowing the flavors to bloom and develop before adding the liquid components.

Expert Tips

To make sure your CPK-style split pea soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:

• Rinse the Split Peas: Always rinse dried split peas before cooking. This removes dust or debris that might have accumulated during packaging.
• Cook Low and Slow: Patience is key here. Let the soup simmer on low heat so the peas have time to soften and absorb all the flavors. Rushing this step will result in undercooked peas and a less flavorful broth.
• Use an Immersion Blender for Creaminess: If you prefer a creamy texture, use an immersion blender for a smooth, velvety soup. Alternatively, you can also blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
• Make it Ahead of Time: Soups like this often taste better the next day. The flavors have more time to develop and meld together. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Recipe Variations

This soup is versatile, so feel free to make adjustments based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add Smoked Ham or Bacon: If you’re not vegetarian or vegan, you can add diced smoked ham or bacon for an extra savory flavor. Just sauté it along with the veggies for a few minutes before adding the broth.
• Spicy Split Pea Soup: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the pot. This will infuse the soup with a warming heat.
• Coconut Milk: For a creamier, slightly sweet variation, try replacing part of the vegetable broth with coconut milk. This will also add a nice tropical note to the soup.
• Add Potatoes: If you want a heartier soup, add a couple of diced potatoes. They’ll break down and add even more creaminess as they cook.

Final Words

This CPK Split Pea Soup recipe is one that offers both comfort and nourishment in every spoonful. It’s a simple dish to prepare but carries with it a rich depth of flavor thanks to the balance of ingredients, the long simmering time, and the thoughtful layering of seasonings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family dinner, or for meal prep, this soup ticks all the boxes: it’s healthy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying.