The Ultimate Goya Split Pea Soup Recipe (4 Ways!)

Introduction: The Alchemy of the Humble Pea

Forget the tasting menu and the velvet rope. Real cooking magic doesn’t come from truffle shavings or gold leaf. It comes from a heavy pot that simmers slowly. This broth turns simple ingredients into a comforting dish. The Goya split pea soup recipe is here. This dish isn’t just soup; it’s a thick, velvety hug in a bowl. It’s the same kind of deep satisfaction you get from mastering other classics, like a perfect Risotto ai Funghi. This Goya split pea soup recipe shows how a few pantry ingredients can change with time and heat. Ingredients like onion, carrot, celery, and garlic can become much more than just their individual parts.

It is the best comfort food. This one-pot recipe is budget-friendly. It makes a nutritious and filling soup. The soup feels both rustic and refined. This soup is high in protein and will keep you going, warm you up, and make you feel good on a deep, primitive level. It’s like a cozy blanket on a chilly day for food that is absolutely necessary.

Why Choose Goya Split Peas: The Foundation of Flavor

The foundation is the most important part of any excellent project. You don’t build a temple on sand, and you don’t make famed split pea soup with anything but the finest. This is where GOYA Foods comes into the story. For years, their brand has meant quality and stability in kitchens all around the United States. When you pick up a bag of GOYA Yellow Split Peas or their green ones, you know what to expect. These peas cook until soft and turn into a creamy soup texture.

But what color should I pick? The green split peas have a stronger, earthier taste and a texture that is a little thicker and heartier. The yellow split pea soup, on the other hand, is somewhat sweeter and milder, which may make the soup seem brighter and sunnier. You may choose, but the Goya promise still stands: both colors are of the highest quality.

These little beans are forceful, even outside of the pot. This comfort soup is a beneficial option for your health since it is full of protein and fiber. They’re a beneficial source of vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Even a simple bowl of ham and pea soup can be a nutritious meal. The result is hearty comfort food that will make you feel better.

Ingredients and Tools: Assembling Your Arsenal

A chosen palette is necessary for every creation. The ingredients for our Goya split pea soup recipe include a combination of earthy, fragrant, and intensely flavorful elements. This phase is when we go from wanting something abstract to something we can eat with a spoon.

Ingredients for Classic Goya Split Pea Soup

• The Star: A bag of GOYA yellow split peas or green split peas. This is your non-negotiable foundation.
• The Aromatic Trinity: Use one part each of onion, carrot, and celery, all finely chopped. This is the base that creates a world of flavor.
• The Flavor Bomb: Minced garlic. Because enough is never enough.
• The Liquid Gold: Broth, be it rich chicken or savory vegetable stock. This is what transforms the pot from a solid mass to a silky soup. A cube of GOYA Chicken Flavored Bouillon is a secret weapon for a depth charge of flavor.
• The Optional Power Plays: This portion is where personality erupts. Choose your fighter: diced ham, a smoky ham hock, spicy GOYA Chorizo, or the crispy, salty crunch of bacon.
• The Seasoning Soul: A bay leaf adds a slight bitterness. Thyme brings an earthy flavor. Use fresh-cracked pepper and salt to taste. Add a dash of paprika for warmth. A sprinkle of GOYA Adobo All Purpose Seasoning is the all-in-one cheat code for perfectly seasoned depth.
• The Grand Finale Garnishes: Croutons for crunch, fresh herbs for a bright lift, or a dollop of sour cream for a cool, creamy contrast. A dash of GOYA Hot Sauce for those who like a wake-up call.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• The Command Center: A large pot or Dutch oven is the command center. This robust pot ensures even heat distribution, essential for achieving a perfect simmer.
• The Texture Transformer: Puree until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. The immersion blender is the best tool for puréeing right in the pot.
• The Support Crew: Basic measuring tools, a strong ladle for dishing, and airtight containers for the excellent leftovers.
• The Modernist Shortcuts: Use an Instant Pot to prepare this hearty comfort food quickly, or a slow cooker to “set it and forget it.”

 The Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Rinse

• Sort:Put 1 pound (approximately 2 cups) of Goya Split Peas on a platter or tray. Please sort through and discard any small rocks or debris.
• Rinse: Put the peas in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse them well under cold running water.
• Soak (Optional): If you want to cook the peas faster, soak them in cold water for 1 to 2 hours after rinsing. Before you use it, drain it. You don’t have to do this step for this recipe.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Meat

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat 2 teaspoons of Goya Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
2. For the aromatics: Add 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks for the aromatics. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until soft.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in 2–3 minced garlic cloves and simmer for another minute, or until the garlic smells delicious.
4. For the Meat (Optional):
   • For Ham/Bacon: Add 1 cup of diced ham or 4 pieces of chopped bacon to the recipe for ham and bacon. Crisp it up and brown it.
   • For Goya Chorizo: Add 1/2 cup of chopped Goya Chorizo to your dish. Cook until the food is crispy.
   • Take out any cooked meat and put it away for later use as a garnish.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Add the washed split peas, 8 cups of broth, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to the pot.
2. To a full boil, bring the soup.
3. Turn the heat down to low, cover it slightly, and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir every so often.
4. Cooking Times: Green split peas may take the entire 1.5 hours to cook. Yellow split peas usually break down in about one hour.
5. Change the consistency: If the soup becomes too thick, add 1/2 cup of broth or water at a time. If it’s too thin, let it simmer without a lid for a longer time.

Step 4: Blend or Leave Chunky

• Smooth: Puree the soup until it is velvety smooth using an immersion blender right in the pot. (Or gently mix in little amounts in a blender on the counter.)
• Chunky: To make the soup thicker, don’t change it, or crush some peas against the pot with a spoon.
• Mixed: For optimal results, combine half of the ingredients and gently stir them back into the chunky soup.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Seasoning: Remove the bay leaf after seasoning. Season the dish with salt and Goya Adobo according to your taste preferences.
• Garnish: Serve in bowls and add your crispy chorizo topping. You can also add any leftover ham or bacon, croutons, a spoonful of sour cream, or fresh herbs if you like.
• Serve and Enjoy: Serve right away with crusty bread on the side for a full meal that will make you feel better.

Variations and Alternative Methods

These easy changes let you make your soup meet any diet, taste, or schedule.

1. Vegetarian/Vegan Split Pea Soup

• Principle: The idea is to use plant-based alternatives instead of animal products.
• Flavor Boosters:
  • Sauté 1 cup of chopped mushrooms along with the aromatics to enhance umami depth.
  • Add 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika when mixing the broth to achieve a smoky flavor.
  • A splash of soy sauce or liquid aminos can enhance savoriness.

Result: The end result is a comfort soup with a lot of flavor, plenty of protein, and just plants.

2. Chorizo or Spicy Version

• Principle: Add a Spanish or Latin touch as a rule.
• Key Ingredient: Use ½ to 1 cup of Goya Chorizo, removed from its casing and chopped.
• Method:
  1. Cook the chorizo in the pot first until crispy. Remove and set aside for garnish.
  2. SaSauté the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in the rendered chorizo oil.
  3. Proceed with the recipe as usual.

Finish: Finish by adding the crispy chorizo and a little Goya Hot Sauce on top.

3. Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker Method

• Principle: The main idea is to cut down on cooking time by a lot.
• Adjusted Liquid: Use 6 cups of broth instead of 8.
• Instructions:
  1. Use the sauté function to cook aromatics and meat (if using).
  2. Add rinsed split peas, broth, and seasonings. Do not fill past the max line.
  3. Seal the lid and set to High Pressure for 15 minutes.
  4. Allow a natural release for 10–15 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.
  5. Blend the ingredients until you reach your desired consistency.

4. Slow Cooker/Crockpot Method

• Principle: Set it and forget it for all-day simmering is the idea.
• Layering Tip: To get the best results, combine the ingredients in this order:
  1. Aromatics & Peas: Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and rinsed split peas.
  2. Liquid & Seasonings: Pour in 8 cups of broth and add seasonings.
  3. Meat on Top: Place a ham hock or large ham bone on top. Do not stir.
• Cooking: Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Finish: Take the meat out, shred it, and mix it back in. If you like, mix.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

The ideal staging is what your beautiful cup of soup needs. For a memorable presentation, try serving it in individual portions. This technique works well in many of our favorite mini cocotte recipes. Here’s how to make your Goya split pea soup a supper you’ll remember.

The Best Sides & Companions

• Crusty Bread: You need a thick piece of sourdough or a rustic baguette to dip into every last drop of creamy soup.
• Grilled Sandwiches: A traditional grilled cheese is a wonderful way to make the meal even better. If you want a tasty, family-friendly main dish, try our juicy ground chicken Salisbury steak recipe. The sharp cheddar and crispy bread make the hearty comfort food taste and feel even better.
• Fresh Salad: A simple salad topped with a vibrant vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the soup. Consider a salad that includes crisp romaine, arugula, or shaved fennel.

Garnish Ideas for a Flavor Boost

Don’t simply give it; crown it. These toppings add taste and texture in layers:

• For Crunch: Homemade croutons or crispy, fried onions.
• For Freshness: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, chives, or dill.
• For Creaminess: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of cream.
• For Savory Punch: Use the remaining crispy chorizo topping, crumbled bacon, or more chopped ham.
• For Heat: Add a final, strong splash of Goya Hot Sauce.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

A large pot of soup serves as a lasting gift. Here’s how to keep its great taste and texture for later.

Refrigeration (Short-Term)

• How to Store: Let the soup cool all the way down. Put it in a container that won’t let air in.
• Time: It will stay fresh in the fridge for three to four days.

Freezing (Long-Term)

• Portioning: For simple dinners, freeze the soup in single or family-sized servings.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe containers that are airtight or heavy-duty freezer bags that lie flat to conserve room.
• Pro Tip: To let the soup expand while freezing, leave about 1 inch of space at the top of containers.
• Duration: Frozen soup can stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Thawing and Reheating

• Thawing: The safest way to defrost frozen soup is to put it in the fridge for 24 hours. This will allow it to thaw completely.
• Reheating:
  1. Put the soup in a pot and reheat it slowly over low heat, stirring every so often.
  2. If the soup has thickened, add a little broth or water and stir until it is the right consistency again.
• Important Tip: Don’t boil too hard while reheating, since this might change the texture. A light simmer is all you need.

Comparison with Other Soups

Knowing where split pea soup fits in with other legume-based soups helps you understand its distinct taste and long history at the table.

Split Pea Soup vs. Lentil Soup

Although they are both champions of bean and legume soups, they each provide unique experiences:

• Texture & Body: When you simmer split pea soup, it becomes a creamy, thick, and smooth purée. If you don’t mix lentil soup, it holds its shape better. This technique makes the liquid thicker or chunkier.
• Flavor Profile: Split peas have a strong, earthy flavor. This makes them a perfect base for smoky meats like ham. Lentils have a more balanced and peppery taste. They absorb spices like cumin and turmeric easily.
• Cooking Time: Split peas need to simmer for a longer period of time to completely break down and become tender. Lentils cook a lot quicker.

Split Pea and Ham Soup Traditions

This mix is a key ingredient of comfort food, especially in North American and European cooking. It’s a recipe that comes from being frugal and useful. You can use a leftover ham bone to create a hearty, inexpensive soup that is rich in protein. A simple pea soup recipe becomes a dinner that is delicious, smoky, and filling. This tradition makes it a classic comfort food.

Split Pea Soup in Global Cuisines

This nutritious and filling soup is popular worldwide.

• People in the Netherlands know about erwtensoep, a thick, stew-like soup with smoked sausage.
• In Germany, it’s common to find it as a hearty Erbsensuppe.
• People in Latin America and the Caribbean love to cook with GOYA Foods. They make products with local flavors and chorizo. This soup uses common pantry ingredients. It is available worldwide, showing how adaptable it is.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Soup

There you have it. The path from a basic bag of Goya Split Peas to a pot of deep, soul-warming delight. The most hearty comfort food will always be this rich, creamy soup. It’s a healthy option that provides the body with energy without breaking the bank thanks to its high protein and fiber content. And most importantly, it is highly versatile. With just a few changes, it may become a vegan feast, a fiery chorizo-laden show, or a slow-cooked classic.

You now have the plan. But a recipe is only a place to start. As culinary experts will tell you, learning how to make a recipe your own is when the true magic happens. So, we ask you not to only create the soup. Get good at it. When you make it your own, that’s when the true magic happens. So, we ask you not to only create the soup. Get good at it. Try out the different versions. Find the right garnish for you. Thereafter, tell others about it. Share your tale with us. What made it yours in a special way? Your next pot of Goya split pea soup isn’t simply a meal; it’s a chance to make something new. Now go make a better bowl.

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