Green Split Pea Smoked Turkey (Printable Version)

Comforting green split pea soup with smoky turkey and vegetables, ideal for warming, wholesome dining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb smoked turkey wings or drumsticks

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Peas & Legumes

06 - 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed

→ Liquids

07 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water

→ Herbs & Spices

08 - 2 bay leaves
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt, to taste

→ Others

13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add split peas, smoked turkey, bay leaves, thyme, pepper, and smoked paprika. Pour in the broth or water and stir well.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
05 - Remove the turkey pieces. Shred the meat off the bones, discarding skin and bones, then return the meat to the pot.
06 - Continue simmering uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until peas are soft and soup reaches your desired consistency. Add more water if the soup becomes too thick.
07 - Season with salt to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.

# Chef's Tips:

01 -
  • The soup practically cooks itself once everything's in the pot
  • Smoked turkey creates a depth that ham hocks can't quite match
  • Makes enough to feed a crowd or keep you sorted for days
02 -
  • Rinse those split peas until the water runs clear or your soup will be muddy
  • Don't rush the initial vegetable sauté—this is where the depth builds
  • The soup thickens considerably as it sits, so adjust consistency accordingly
03 -
  • Don't skip the initial vegetable sauté—it's worth the extra ten minutes
  • If your smoked turkey is especially salty, cut back on added salt accordingly

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