Green Split Pea Soup Smoked Turkey (Printable View)
A comforting bowl of green split peas, smoky turkey, and savory vegetables, simmered to perfection for a deeply satisfying meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes until they are softened.
02 - Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the rinsed split peas, the 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 boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Carefully remove the smoked turkey from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones.
06 - Return the shredded turkey meat to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the split peas are very tender and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency. Add more water if necessary.
07 - Remove and discard the bay leaves. Season the soup with salt to taste, adjusting as needed.
08 - Serve the green split pea soup hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It's incredibly forgiving and largely hands-off after the initial sauté—perfect for cozy days at home.
- The combination of tender split peas and smoky turkey creates a depth of flavor that's both rustic and deeply satisfying.
02 -
- Always pick through your split peas for any tiny stones or debris; it's a small step that prevents an unpleasant surprise.
- Adding salt at the very end is crucial, as the broth and smoked turkey already contribute a lot of sodium.
03 -
- For an even richer flavor profile, roast the smoked turkey leg briefly before adding it to the pot to enhance its savory notes.
- If you're making a big batch, this soup freezes beautifully, so make extra for quick, comforting meals later.