Split pea soup: a comforting, hearty, and undeniably delicious dish. Its earthy flavor and creamy texture make it a beloved staple, especially during cooler months. But what elevates this humble soup from a simple meal to a culinary experience? The answer lies in the perfect accompaniments. This guide will explore a vast array of options, from savory breads to crisp salads, ensuring your next bowl of split pea soup is a resounding success.
The Bread Basket: Carb Companions for Comfort
Bread and soup are a classic pairing for a reason. The soft texture of bread complements the smooth consistency of the soup, while its often neutral flavor provides a pleasant contrast to the rich, savory notes of the split peas. Choosing the right bread can significantly enhance your enjoyment of the meal.
Crusty Bread: A Timeless Classic
A crusty loaf of bread, such as a sourdough or baguette, is an excellent choice. Its firm crust provides a satisfying chew, while its soft interior is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. Sourdough’s tangy flavor also adds a delightful dimension to the soup. Consider offering a variety of crusty breads to cater to different preferences. You can serve it warmed or toasted, depending on your preference.
Sandwich Rolls and Soft Breads
For a softer experience, consider serving sandwich rolls or other soft breads. These are especially enjoyable for those who prefer a gentler texture. Sweet Hawaiian rolls can provide an unexpected, yet pleasant, sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the soup. Make sure you choose a good quality bread for the best results.
Garlic Bread: An Aromatic Addition
Elevate your bread game by serving garlic bread alongside your split pea soup. The pungent aroma and savory flavor of garlic bread create a harmonious pairing with the soup’s earthy notes. You can make your own garlic bread by spreading a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs on slices of bread and baking them until golden brown.
Cornbread: A Southern Delight
For a unique twist, consider serving cornbread with your split pea soup. The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread offers a pleasant contrast to the soup’s creamy consistency. This pairing is particularly well-suited for split pea soup that contains ham or bacon.
Salads: Adding Freshness and Texture
A well-chosen salad can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of split pea soup. The crispness of the vegetables and the tanginess of the dressing can awaken the palate and create a more balanced meal.
Simple Green Salad: A Light and Refreshing Option
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent choice for those seeking a lighter accompaniment. The fresh greens provide a refreshing contrast to the soup’s hearty texture. Consider using a variety of greens, such as romaine lettuce, spinach, and arugula, to add visual appeal and flavor.
Citrus Salad: A Burst of Flavor
A citrus salad, featuring oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits, can provide a burst of flavor that complements the savory notes of the split pea soup. The acidity of the citrus fruits cuts through the richness of the soup, creating a refreshing and palate-cleansing experience.
Cucumber Salad: A Cooling Contrast
A cucumber salad, with its cool and refreshing flavor, is a perfect complement to split pea soup, especially during warmer months. The crispness of the cucumbers and the tanginess of the dressing create a delightful contrast to the soup’s creamy texture. You can add dill or mint to the salad for an extra layer of flavor.
Coleslaw: A Creamy and Tangy Option
For a creamy and tangy option, consider serving coleslaw with your split pea soup. The crispness of the cabbage and carrots, combined with the creamy dressing, creates a delightful textural and flavor contrast.
Protein Power-Ups: Meats and More
While split pea soup is often hearty on its own, adding a protein accompaniment can transform it into a truly substantial and satisfying meal. The right protein can complement the soup’s flavors and textures, creating a more complete and balanced dining experience.
Ham: A Classic Pairing
Ham is a classic addition to split pea soup, both in the soup itself and as a side dish. The salty and smoky flavor of ham complements the earthy notes of the split peas. You can serve ham steak, ham slices, or even ham salad alongside your soup.
Grilled Chicken or Turkey: A Lighter Option
For a lighter protein option, consider serving grilled chicken or turkey with your split pea soup. The lean protein and mild flavor of chicken or turkey provide a healthy and satisfying accompaniment. You can season the chicken or turkey with herbs and spices to complement the flavors of the soup.
Sausage: A Flavorful Addition
Sausage, with its savory and often spicy flavor, can add a delicious dimension to your split pea soup experience. Consider serving a variety of sausages, such as Italian sausage, bratwurst, or kielbasa, to cater to different preferences.
Bacon: Crispy and Irresistible
Bacon, with its crispy texture and smoky flavor, is a welcome addition to any meal. Crumble crispy bacon over your split pea soup or serve it as a side dish to add a touch of indulgence.
Vegetable Sides: Enhancing the Nutritional Value
Adding vegetable sides to your split pea soup meal can enhance its nutritional value and provide a more complete and balanced dining experience. The right vegetables can complement the soup’s flavors and textures, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Roasted Vegetables: A Warm and Savory Option
Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, are a delicious and nutritious addition to your split pea soup meal. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and creates a slightly caramelized flavor that complements the soup’s savory notes.
Steamed Green Beans: A Simple and Healthy Choice
Steamed green beans are a simple and healthy vegetable side that pairs well with split pea soup. The crisp-tender texture of the green beans and their mild flavor provide a refreshing contrast to the soup’s creamy texture.
Asparagus: A Springtime Favorite
Asparagus, with its delicate flavor and tender texture, is a delicious and seasonal vegetable side that complements split pea soup, especially during springtime. You can grill, roast, or steam the asparagus, depending on your preference.
Mashed Potatoes: A Comforting Companion
While perhaps not the most obvious choice, creamy mashed potatoes can be a surprisingly delightful companion to split pea soup. Their smooth texture and comforting flavor create a satisfying and harmonious pairing.
Cheese and Dairy: Adding Creaminess and Flavor
Adding cheese or dairy to your split pea soup meal can enhance its creaminess and flavor. The right cheese or dairy product can complement the soup’s savory notes and create a more indulgent and satisfying experience.
Shredded Cheese: A Classic Topping
Shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere, is a classic topping for split pea soup. The melted cheese adds a creamy and flavorful layer to the soup. Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite pairing.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: A Tangy Addition
A dollop of sour cream or yogurt can add a tangy and refreshing note to your split pea soup. The acidity of the sour cream or yogurt cuts through the richness of the soup, creating a more balanced and flavorful experience.
Croutons: Adding Crunch
Croutons, with their crispy texture and often savory flavor, can add a delightful crunch to your split pea soup. You can make your own croutons by toasting cubes of bread in the oven with olive oil and herbs.
Spice and Herb Garnishes: Elevating the Flavor Profile
Adding a garnish of fresh herbs or spices can elevate the flavor profile of your split pea soup and add a touch of visual appeal. The right garnish can complement the soup’s flavors and aromas, creating a more complex and satisfying experience.
Fresh Parsley: A Classic Garnish
Fresh parsley, with its mild and slightly peppery flavor, is a classic garnish for split pea soup. The vibrant green color of the parsley adds a touch of visual appeal.
Chives: A Delicate Onion Flavor
Chives, with their delicate onion flavor, are a delicious and versatile garnish for split pea soup. You can snip fresh chives over the soup just before serving.
Dill: A Refreshing Herb
Dill, with its refreshing and slightly tangy flavor, is a delicious garnish for split pea soup, especially when the soup contains ham or bacon.
Cracked Black Pepper: A Simple Enhancement
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can add a subtle heat and complexity to your split pea soup. This simple garnish can significantly enhance the soup’s flavor profile.
Split pea soup is a blank canvas that allows for endless culinary creativity. Experiment with different pairings to discover your own personal favorites. Whether you prefer a simple crusty bread or a more elaborate salad, the possibilities are endless. Bon appétit!
What kind of bread goes best with split pea soup?
Crusty bread is an excellent choice for dipping into split pea soup. The hearty texture of a baguette, sourdough, or even a rustic loaf made with whole grains provides a satisfying contrast to the smooth, creamy soup. The crust offers a delightful crunch, while the soft interior soaks up the flavorful broth perfectly.
For a lighter option, consider toasted rye bread or even crackers. Garlic bread can also be a delicious addition, but be mindful of the added garlic in both the soup and bread. Ultimately, the best bread depends on your personal preference, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.
Can you suggest a side salad that complements split pea soup?
A fresh and vibrant salad can cut through the richness of split pea soup, providing a welcome contrast in flavor and texture. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a classic choice. Consider adding some crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a refreshing element.
Another great option is a salad with a bit more substance, such as a chopped salad with chickpeas, feta cheese, and herbs. The chickpeas will complement the split peas, while the feta adds a salty and tangy note. A lemon vinaigrette would brighten the dish and tie everything together beautifully.
What meats pair well with split pea soup?
Ham is traditionally served with split pea soup, and for good reason. The smoky, salty flavor of ham complements the earthy sweetness of the peas perfectly. Consider adding diced ham directly to the soup or serving it as a side. Bacon is another great option, adding a crispy and savory element.
Beyond ham and bacon, consider grilled sausages, particularly smoked sausages or kielbasa. The rich flavor of these meats pairs well with the hearty soup. For a leaner option, try adding shredded rotisserie chicken or serving the soup with grilled chicken breast on the side.
What cheeses go well with split pea soup?
Crumbled goat cheese is a fantastic addition to split pea soup. Its tangy and slightly tart flavor balances the richness of the soup beautifully. A sprinkle of goat cheese adds a creamy texture and a sophisticated touch.
Alternatively, shredded Parmesan cheese can offer a salty and savory contrast. Its umami flavor enhances the overall depth of the dish. For a more mild option, consider a sprinkle of Gruyère or Swiss cheese. These cheeses melt easily and add a nutty flavor that complements the split peas nicely.
Are there any vegetarian side dishes that work well with split pea soup?
Roasted vegetables are a wonderful vegetarian accompaniment to split pea soup. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. A side of roasted root vegetables adds warmth and heartiness to the meal.
Another excellent choice is a simple sauteed green vegetable, such as spinach or kale. Sautéing these greens with a little garlic and olive oil provides a healthy and flavorful contrast to the creamy soup. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish.
What desserts complement split pea soup?
A light and fruity dessert is the perfect way to end a meal that features split pea soup. The richness of the soup calls for something refreshing and not too heavy. A fruit salad, a lemon tart, or even a simple bowl of berries would be excellent choices.
Alternatively, consider a slightly tart dessert, such as an apple crisp or a rhubarb pie. The sweetness of the fruit combined with the slightly sour element provides a delightful contrast to the savory soup. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can add an extra touch of indulgence.
Can you suggest a drink pairing for split pea soup?
A crisp, dry white wine is a great accompaniment to split pea soup. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are excellent choices, as their acidity cuts through the richness of the soup. The light and refreshing flavors of these wines complement the earthy flavors of the peas.
For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime. The bubbles provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup. Iced tea, especially green tea, can also be a good choice. Its subtle flavors won’t overpower the soup, and its refreshing quality will cleanse the palate.