Hearty Split Pea & Smoky Kielbasa Soup

1. Cook Vegetables

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add ¼ cup of good olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped leeks, onions, and carrots. Cook these vegetables for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and start to brown. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.

2. Add Garlic and Peas

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just a minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the dry green split peas to the pot, stirring to coat them with the oil and vegetable mixture. Cooking the peas briefly with the oil ensures they will cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the vegetables.

3. Add Stock, Ham Hock, and Herbs

Add 8 cups of chicken stock, 2 cups of water, the smoked ham hock, thyme bundle, bay leaves, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 1¼ hours. Stir the soup occasionally, and after 45 minutes, stir it more frequently. This long simmering process allows the peas to become very tender and fall apart, creating a rich and hearty texture.

4. Purée Soup

Once the peas are tender and the soup has thickened, remove and discard the thyme bundle, bay leaves, and ham hock. Transfer about 2 cups of the soup to a food processor fitted with a steel blade and purée it until smooth. Return the puréed soup to the pot, and if you find the soup too thick, you can add more chicken stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Brown Kielbasa

In a medium sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes until the pieces are browned and slightly crispy. This step adds a smoky, savory depth to the soup that complements the creamy peas perfectly.

6. Serve Soup

To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls, top with the browned kielbasa, and sprinkle with minced fresh parsley. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Hearty Split Pea & Smoky Kielbasa Soup!