If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make, and healthy soup, then you should try Sicilian split pea soup.
This soup is made with a combination of vegetables, herbs, and split peas—all of which come together to create a flavorful and nutritious dish.
Whether you’re looking for a meal to serve for lunch or dinner, or just want to make something that’s good for you, Sicilian split pea soup is the perfect solution.
What is Sicilian Split Pea Soup?
Sicilian cuisine is the style of cooking on the island of Sicily. It shows traces of all cultures that have existed on the island of Sicily over the last two millennia. Although its cuisine has much in common with Italian cuisine, Sicilian food also has Greek, Spanish, French, Jewish, and Arab influences.
The Sicilian cook Mithaecus, born during 5th century BC, is credited with having brought knowledge of Sicilian gastronomy to Greece.his cookbook was the first in Greek, therefore he was the earliest cookbook author in any language whose name is known.
Sicilian split pea soup is one of their traditional Italian dish made with split peas, vegetables, herbs, and a variety of seasonings.
The split peas are slowly simmered until they’re tender and the vegetables are cooked until they’re soft and flavorful.
This soup is a great way to get in your daily vegetable intake, as it contains a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients. It’s also low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Why You’ll Love this Sicilian Split Pea Soup?
This Sicilian split pea soup is a great choice for anyone who loves Italian flavors. The combination of vegetables, herbs, and split peas creates a flavorful and nutritious soup that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
It’s also incredibly easy to make and takes less than an hour to prepare.
Plus, it’s low in calories and fat, so it’s a great way to get in your daily vegetable intake without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
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The Ingredients
Dried split peas: The core of the dish. Split peas are the source of protein, fiber, and various other nutrients in this soup.
Chicken broth: Adds flavor to the dish and helps to
bring out the flavors of the vegetables.
Ham bone: The ham bone adds a smoky flavor to the soup and is also a great source of protein.
Diced carrot: Carrots area great source of vitamin A, and they add flavor to the soup.
Thinly minced onion: The onion adds depth and flavor to the dish and helps to bring out the other flavors.
Red potatoes (cubes): These potatoes add texture and body to the soup, as well as provide extra nutrients.
Kosher salt: Adds flavor and helps to bring out the other ingredients.
Fresh black pepper: Black pepper adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances the other seasonings in the soup.
Ground garlic: Garlic adds a nice zing to the soup and also contributes to its nutritional content.
Chopped celery: Celery is an excellent source of dietary fiber and antioxidants, as well as adding flavor to the soup.
Oregano: A herbaceous and earthy flavor.
Bay leaf: This adds a woodsy flavor to the soup.
Thyme and Parsley flakes: These herbs add a subtle flavor to the dish and also contribute to its health benefits.
Directions
Step 1:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the split peas with two cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 45 minutes.
Step 2:
Add the ham bone, diced carrot, minced onion, and celery to the saucepan. Allow to simmer for 45 minutes.
Step 3:
After 45 minutes, add the red potatoes and one cup of water to the saucepan and continue simmering for 15 more minutes.
Step 4:
Once the vegetables are tender, remove from heat and discard the ham bone. Add in salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, bay leaf, thyme and parsley flakes to the soup and stir to combine
Step 5:
Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Serve warm in individual bowls topped with freshly chopped parsley or herbs of choice. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use chicken or beef broth instead.
- If you don’t have canned diced tomatoes, you can use a can of crushed tomatoes instead.
- Feel free to add any other vegetables you like, such as potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- If you’re looking for a more substantial soup, you can add some cooked chicken or sausage.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the split peas with a potato masher.
- This soup can be made in a slow cooker by following the same directions, but cooking on low for 8-10 hours.
Storage Tips
Sicilian split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to store the soup without any toppings, as they can make the soup soggy.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Sicilian split pea soup (1 cup) contains approximately
Serving Suggestions
-Sourdough bread
-Grilled cheese sandwich
-Caesar salad
-Roasted vegetables
-Garlic bread
-Greek salad
-Garlic roasted potatoes
-Crusty rolls
-Sautéed greens
What Other Substitute Can I Use in Sicilian Split Pea Soup?
Lentils: Lentils can be substituted for split peas in this soup. They will need to be cooked longer, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Vegetable broth: If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use chicken or beef broth instead.
Canned diced tomatoes: If you don’t have canned diced tomatoes, you can use a can of crushed tomatoes instead.
Vegetables: Feel free to add any other vegetables you like, such as potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Meat: If you’re looking for a more substantial soup, you can add some cooked chicken or sausage.
Herbs: You can also substitute fresh herbs for the dried herbs if you prefer.
Mashed split peas: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the split peas with a potato masher.
Equipment
- large saucepan
- serving bowl
- spatula
Ingredients
- Dried split peas- 2 cups
- Chicken broth- 2 cups
- Ham bone-1 pound
- Diced carrot- 3 to 4
- Thinly minced onion- 4 tablespoon
- Water- 1 cup
- Red potatoes cubes- 1 cup
- Kosher salt- 1 tablespoon
- Fresh black pepper- 1 tsp
- Ground garlic- 2 cloves
- Chopped celery- 3 stalks
- Oregano -1 tsp
- Bay leaf- 1
- Thyme and Parsley flakes- 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the split peas with two cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Sim2. Add the ham bone, diced carrot, minced onion, and celery to the saucepan. Simmer for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, add the red potatoes and one cup of water to the saucepan and continue simmering for 15 more minutes.
- Once the vegetables are tender, remove from heat and discard the ham bone.4. Add the salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, bay leaf, thyme and parsley flakes to the soup and stir to combine.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.
- Serve warm in individual bowls topped with freshly chopped parsley or herbs of choice. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use chicken or beef broth instead.
- If you don’t have canned diced tomatoes, you can use a can of crushed tomatoes instead.
- Feel free to add any other vegetables you like, such as potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- If you’re looking for a more substantial soup, you can add some cooked chicken or sausage.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the split peas with a potato masher.
- This soup can be made in a slow cooker by following the same directions, but cooking on low for 8-10 hours.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Sicilian split pea soup last?
Sicilian split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Is Sicilian split pea soup healthy?
Yes, Sicilian split pea soup is a healthy option because it is low in calories and fat and contains a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients.
Can I freeze Sicilian split pea soup?
Yes, Sicilian split pea soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How do I make Sicilian split pea soup in a slow cooker?
You can make Sicilian split pea soup in a slow cooker by following the same directions, but cooking on low for 8-10 hours.
Conclusion
Sicilian split pea soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s easy to make and takes less than an hour to prepare.
The combination of vegetables, herbs, and split peas creates a flavorful and nutritious soup that’s low in calories and fat.
With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a satisfying and healthy meal that’s sure to please.