Green Split Pea Smoked Turkey (Printable Version)
This comforting dish combines tender green split peas, smoky turkey, and savory vegetables for a deeply satisfying meal.
# What You Need:
→ 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 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - Salt, to taste
→ Garnish (optional)
13 - Chopped fresh parsley
# Directions:
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 to 7 minutes until they have softened.
02 - Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and cook for 1 minute until a fragrant aroma develops.
03 - Stir in the rinsed split peas, smoked turkey leg or wing, bay leaves, dried thyme, and black pepper.
04 - Pour in the chicken or turkey broth and water. Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow to 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 any skin and bones.
06 - Return the shredded turkey meat to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the split peas are very tender and the soup has achieved a desired thickened 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 hearty split pea soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chasing away those cold weather blues.
- The smoky turkey adds an incredible depth of flavor that feels both gourmet and incredibly comforting.
02 -
- Never underestimate the importance of rinsing and picking over your split peas; you don't want a gritty surprise in your bowl.
- Adding salt gradually at the end is crucial because the smoked turkey can contribute a fair amount of salinity.
03 -
- For an even richer broth, sauté the turkey bones with the vegetables before adding liquids, then remove them before shredding.
- If you don't have smoked turkey, a smoked ham hock makes a fantastic substitute, offering a similar depth of flavor.