Heartwarming Split Pea Soup with Crispy Kielbasa Recipe by Ina Garten

Soup lovers rejoice as this hearty split pea soup by Ina Garten brings comfort to your dinner table.

The rich, velvety texture blends perfectly with smoky kielbasa, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Warm, inviting aromas will fill your kitchen as the soup simmers gently.

Each spoonful promises a satisfying blend of creamy peas and crisp sausage pieces.

The recipe balances rustic charm with gourmet elegance, making it a standout dish for any meal.

Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, this soup turns a simple weeknight dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

You’ll want to savor every last drop of this soul-warming creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes into Ina Garten’s Split Pea Soup with Crispy Kielbasa

• Leeks: Provides a mild, sweet onion-like flavor that forms the aromatic foundation of the soup.
• Onions: Adds depth and a rich, savory base note to enhance overall soup complexity.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup's flavor profile.
• Garlic: Delivers a pungent, warming kick that intensifies the soup's taste.

• Split Peas: Creates the thick, hearty texture and provides substantial plant-based protein.
• Chicken Stock: Develops a rich, comforting liquid base with deep underlying flavor.
• Water: Helps adjust the soup's consistency and balance the thickness.
• Smoked Ham Hock: Introduces a smoky, meaty dimension and adds rich, savory undertones.

• Thyme: Contributes an earthy, slightly minty herbal note that complements the soup.
• Bay Leaves: Infuses a subtle, complex background flavor during slow cooking.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the soup.
• Black Pepper: Adds a gentle, warming heat and subtle spiciness.
• Kielbasa: Provides a crispy, smoky protein topping with robust sausage flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and light herbal freshness.

Gear You Need to Make Ina’s Comforting Soup

• Dutch oven or large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup.
• Sauté pan: Perfect for crisping kielbasa to golden brown perfection.
• Food processor: Helps create a creamy texture by puréeing a portion of the soup.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping leeks, onions, carrots, and garlic.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise vegetable and kielbasa chopping.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and preventing soup from sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Cooking Up Split Pea Soup Ina’s Way

• Vegetable Foundation Softening

Create a flavor base by gently warming olive oil in a large cooking pot. Add chopped leeks, onions, and carrots, allowing them to become tender and develop a light golden color. Introduce minced garlic and let its aroma bloom briefly.

• Pea and Liquid Harmony

Incorporate split peas into the vegetable mixture, ensuring they’re well-coated with oil. Pour in chicken stock and water, then introduce a smoky ham hock along with aromatic thyme and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper, bringing the mixture to a gentle bubble.

• Slow Transformation

Allow the soup to simmer quietly, periodically stirring to prevent sticking. Patiently wait as the split peas soften and meld with the broth, creating a rich and comforting texture.

• Creamy Refinement

Remove the herb sprigs and ham hock. Blend a portion of the soup to create a luxurious, velvety consistency. Adjust the liquid if needed for the perfect soup texture.

• Kielbasa Crispness

In a separate pan, transform kielbasa into golden, crispy bites of smoky deliciousness. Brown the sausage until it develops a beautiful caramelized exterior.

• Final Presentation

Ladle the warm soup into bowls, crown with crispy kielbasa pieces, and garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.

Flavor Swaps & Tips for a Richer Bowl

• Replace kielbasa with crispy bacon bits, pancetta cubes, or diced ham for different flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Add diced celery or parsnips during the initial sauté to create more complex vegetable undertones and increase nutritional value.
• Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for smoother consistency or leave some peas partially whole for rustic texture and added mouthfeel.
• Incorporate smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat kick that complements the soup's earthy base flavors.
• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding extra broth if needed to restore original consistency.

How to Plate and Serve This Soup Like Ina

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Tear off chunks of warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette to dip into the creamy soup, soaking up all those rich, smoky flavors.
• Create a Hearty Meal: Complement the soup with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add a fresh crunch.
• Enhance with Garnishes: Sprinkle extra crispy kielbasa bits, chopped fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream on top to elevate the presentation and add layers of texture.
• Wine Pairing Tip: Serve with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir to harmonize with the soup's smoky and earthy undertones.

Storing Ina Garten’s Pea Soup Leftovers

• Store Smartly: Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers, ensuring minimal air exposure to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
• Refrigerate Efficiently: Keep soup in sealed containers for up to 4-5 days, allowing quick and easy reheating for busy weeknight meals.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Pack soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air to preserve flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw refrigerated or frozen soup in the microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth to restore original consistency. Avoid repeatedly reheating to maintain optimal taste and quality.

Hearty Ina Garten Split Pea Soup With Crispy Kielbasa Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty split pea soup showcases Ina Garten’s classic comfort recipe with smoky kielbasa and rich, creamy texture. Home cooks can easily master this soul-warming dish that delivers robust flavors and satisfying warmth.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 450 g / 1 lb dry green split peas
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 340 g / 12 oz smoked kielbasa, halved lengthwise and sliced diagonally into ¼-inch thick pieces
• 2 L / 8 cups chicken stock (preferably homemade)
• 300 g / 2 cups chopped leeks (white and light green parts, from about 2 leeks)
• 225 g / 1.5 cups chopped yellow onion (1 large)
• 300 g / 2 cups diced carrots (½-inch dice, from about 3 large carrots)
• 60 ml / ¼ cup olive oil
• 15 ml / 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 8 sprigs fresh thyme, tied with kitchen twine
• 2 large fresh bay leaves
• 12 g / 2 tsp kosher salt
• 5 g / 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Minced fresh parsley (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté leeks, onions, and carrots for 7-8 minutes until vegetables soften and develop a golden undertone, stirring periodically.
2. Flavor Activation: Add minced garlic and cook for one minute to release its aromatic essence. Introduce split peas, gently coating them in the seasoned oil and toasting briefly to enhance their nutty profile.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken stock and water into the pot. Add smoked ham hock, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for approximately 1¼ hours, increasing stirring frequency after 45 minutes to prevent scorching.
4. Texture Refinement: Extract ham hock and herb bundle. Purée a portion of the soup until smooth, then reintegrate into the pot. Adjust consistency with additional broth if needed.
5. Crispy Kielbasa Garnish: In a separate sauté pan, crisp kielbasa over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, rotating to achieve caramelized edges.
6. Plating: Ladle steaming soup into serving bowls, crown with crispy kielbasa slices, and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Veggie Prep Power: Uniformly dice leeks, onions, and carrots for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Pea Perfection: Toasting split peas briefly intensifies their nutty flavor and adds depth to the overall soup profile.
• Ham Hock Hack: Remove ham hock meat and chop it back into the soup for extra protein and rich, smoky flavor.
• Kielbasa Crisp Technique: Slice kielbasa at an angle for maximum caramelized surface area and more appealing presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer.
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg