Emerald Isle Split Pea Soup

I LOVE TO HAVE THIS SOUP WITH MY EVERYTHING BAGEL CROUTONS AND A DOLLOP OF SOUR CREAM

My Mom made delicious split pea soup for our family when I was growing up in the middle of a corn field.  It was warming and hearty when the days were cold.  Mom used ham in hers and probably was using what was left from a huge ham bone.

I had SPAM left over from my Dollar General Challenge so decided to use that in place of ham but you can pick your protein or make without either if you'd like this to be a vegan split pea soup.  It will be delicious, filling and protein packed regardless.  A 1/2 cup of cooked split peas has roughly 8 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber so it's a perfect pick when you want some plant based protein.

I LOVE ANY RECIPE THAT USES LOTS OF FRESH VEGGIES

I make this soup in my Ninja Foodi (available on our SHOP page) to speed things up since I like to utilize the pressure cook setting, but you can certainly make this stove top as well.

EVERYTHING CHOPPED & READY TO GO

The lovely green of this soup also makes it my perfect pick for St. Patty's Day.  It's not traditionally Irish, but a comforting green soup in March gets my vote for my St. Patrick's Day celebration menu.

I'M USING SPAM THAT I HAD LEFT OVER FROM THE DOLLAR GENERAL CHALLENGE, BUT HAM WORKS GREAT TOO

A dollop of sour cream and some interesting croutons are the perfect accompaniment to top off this cozy soup.  I'm quite fond of my everything bagel croutons, but use what you like or dish this up with a slice of hearty, crusty bread.

If you're interested in other St. Patrick's Day ☘️ recipes, try my Irish Fish Cakes.  Lovely potato and fish cakes sauted to golden perfection and served with a zippy remoulade.

​I also have a fun Green Irish Blender Oat Crepe recipe that is easy and delicious and, of course, green.

I can use my amazing Ninja Foodi to both saute the ham & veggies as well as quickly pressure cook the beans/peas, making this one useful kitchen helper.

You can also make this in a beautiful Meuller Dutch Oven.  Great quality at far less the cost of pricier brands.

​Super cute wooden ladle ❤️ i

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Emerald Isle Split Pea Soup



1/2 yellow or red onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 red chili pepper, minced (optional) 
1/2 container SPAM (6 ounces), chopped (or use cooked ham) (leave out for vegan option)
1 teaspoon dried oregano.  
16 ounces dried split peas, rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth or stock
2 cups water
1 teaspoon course sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 Tablespoons olive oil




I make this soup in my Ninja Foodi to speed things up (available on our SHOP page), but you can certainly make this stove top as well, especially in. a nice, roomy dutch oven like this one from Mueller.


In the bowl of a Ninja Foodi or in a large pot on the stove drizzle in the oil and saute on medium heat the onion, celery, carrots and chili if you're using one.  Cook until the onion begins to become translucent, about 3-5 minutes.  Add in the SPAM or ham and cook another 5 minutes until the meat starts to brown slightly.  If leaving the meat out to make this a vegan soup, go directly to the next steps.


Add in the oregano, split peas, vegetable broth and water, salt and pepper.  At this point you can simmer stove top for 45 minutes to one hour until the peas are very soft.  In the Ninja Foodi or other pressure cook apparatus cover and set the pressure cook setting for 3 minutes then allow the steam to escape naturally for about 10 minutes before you open the lid..

​Stove top you'll let the soup cook, covered for about 20-25 minutes until the peas are soft.


Serve with Everything Bagel Croutons and a dollop of sour cream.