Green Split Pea And Challah Croutons Soup (Creamy Yet Savory Twist)

Discover the comfort of a bowl brimming with the hearty warmth of green split pea and challah croutons soup with a twist that’ll leave you craving more. This soup’s tradition gets reimagined through a culinary fusion with challah croutons, offering a delightful crunch to contrast the smooth, creamy peas. 

The beautiful merger of flavors and textures transcends the ordinary, revealing a dish that satiates, nourishes and intrigues. As you savor each spoonful, the dance of earthy peas and richly toasted challah brings the warmth of a home-cooked meal with a hint of gourmet adventure. 

Prepare your palate for this delightful exploration.

What Is Green Split Pea And Challah Croutons Soup?

Green split pea and challah croutons soup is a harmonious blend of traditional and innovative flavors. The soup is a creamy, comforting concoction made from hearty green split peas, subtly seasoned and simmered until soft. 

The innovation comes with the topping – golden challah croutons, adding a delightful crunch. These croutons are crafted from challah, a traditional Jewish bread, toasted to perfection. This soup is a delightful symphony of textures and flavors.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Absolutely! This recipe can be modified to cater to various dietary requirements. Here are some variations:

• Keto Replace the green split peas with a low-carb vegetable like cauliflower. Instead of challah croutons, consider cheese crisps for crunch.
• Paleo Swap out the split peas for lean meat like chicken or turkey. Use grain-free bread to make the croutons.
• Gluten-Free Ensure your split peas are processed in a gluten-free facility to avoid cross-contamination. For the croutons, use gluten-free bread instead of challah.
• Whole30 Replace the peas with a compliant protein like chicken and use a Whole30-approved bread for croutons. Keep the seasoning simple with compliant herbs and spices.
• Vegetarian/Vegan The base green split pea soup recipe is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, use vegan bread to make the croutons, and ensure any added fats (like for toasting the croutons) are plant-based.

Recipe Directions

Preparation

• Gather all ingredients, including green split peas, seasonings, optional smoked turkey chunks or cooked sausage, and challah for croutons.

Cooking – Slow Cooker Method

• Place all ingredients (except challah and optional meat) in a 4-quart slow cooker.
• Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 4 hours.
• Stir the soup after 4 hours and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Cooking – Stove Top Method

• Place all ingredients (except challah and optional meat) in a Dutch oven.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook for 1.5 hours, checking occasionally.
• Adjust seasoning if needed.

Blending

• For the slow cooker method: Transfer soup to a food processor in batches.
• For the stovetop method: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to desired smoothness.

Final Touches

• Stir in smoked turkey chunks or cooked sausage, if desired.
• Continue cooking on low in the slow cooker for 30 minutes or simmer on the stove until the meat is warmed.

Making the Croutons

• Cut challah into 1-inch cubes.
• Toss with olive oil and sea salt.
• Toast in a frying pan over medium heat until crisp on all sides.

Serving

• Serve the hot soup topped with toasted challah croutons.

Variations, Add-Ons And Toppings

Certainly, there are numerous ways to customize the Green Split Pea and Challah Croutons Soup. Here are some variations, add-ons, and toppings you can try:

Variations

• Protein Switch: Try different types of meat, like diced ham, bacon, or shredded chicken. For a vegetarian version, consider adding tofu or tempeh.
• Vegan: Swap the challah croutons for croutons made from vegan bread.
• Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick.

Add-Ons

• Vegetables: Add veggies like diced carrots, celery, or potatoes for extra nutrition and texture.
• Beans: Add cooked white beans or chickpeas to the soup for an added protein boost.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika for a distinct flavor.

Toppings

• Cheese: Sprinkle a generous helping of shredded cheese on top of the soup just before serving for a delicious, melty finish.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a pop of color and freshness.
• Nuts and Seeds: For added crunch, consider a sprinkling of roasted nuts or seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds.

Can I Make The Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

You can prepare the Green Split Pea and Challah Croutons Soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

For Slow Cooker

• Add all ingredients (excluding challah and meat) to the slow cooker.
• Cook on HIGH for 4 hours.
• Stir and adjust the seasoning.
• Blend for a smoother texture (if desired).
• Add meat and cook on low for 30 minutes.

For Instant Pot

• Add all ingredients (excluding challah and meat) to the Instant Pot.
• Set to Manual or Pressure Cook for 15-20 minutes on high pressure.
• Natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, then vent the remaining pressure.
• Stir and adjust the seasoning.
• Blend for a smoother texture (if desired).
• Add meat and use the Sauté function to heat through.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Either homemade or store-bought broth can be used for making Green Split Pea and Challah Croutons Soup.

Homemade Broth

This gives you control over the ingredients and the flavor profile. Having the time and ingredients to make homemade broth can often result in a richer, more flavorful soup. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetable scraps or bones.

Store-Bought Broth

This is a convenient and time-saving option. It’s always ready to use and comes in various types like vegetable, chicken, beef, and bone broth. When buying store-bought broth, look for low-sodium versions to control the salt level in your soup. Also, be mindful of any potential allergens or dietary restrictions.

How To Serve?

The Green Split Pea and Challah Croutons Soup can be served in several delicious and appealing ways:

• Warm Bowls: Pre-warm bowls in the oven or with boiling water before serving to keep the soup hot.
• Garnish: Top the soup with crisp challah croutons, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for an appealing presentation.
• Sides: Pair the soup with a salad or crusty bread for a complete meal or serve as a starter before the main course.
• Individual Portions: Serve the soup in individual bowls or crocks for a beautiful presentation and to ensure everyone gets croutons.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the soup immediately to savor the best flavor and temperature.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Fresh Salad: Pair the soup with a green salad, coleslaw, or tomato-cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Bread: Enjoy a slice of fresh bread, such as crusty baguette, garlic bread, or whole grain bread, alongside the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or parsnips as a nutritious side dish.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Savor a classic grilled cheese sandwich alongside the soup for a comforting combination.
• Quiche or Savory Tart: Enjoy a slice of light quiche or a savory tart with vegetables to add contrasting textures.
• Pickles or Olives: Provide a tangy contrast with a side of pickles or olives to complement the creamy soup.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Storage: Once prepared, allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Ensure proper sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup as directed, excluding the croutons. Once cooked, let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. Make the challah croutons separately and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispness. Reheat the soup when ready to serve and add the croutons just before serving for optimal texture.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

• Reheat and Eat: The most straightforward option is to reheat and enjoy it as is. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the soup even more delicious the next day.
• Create a New Dish: Use the leftover soup as a base for a new dish. For example, you could add some cooked chicken, turkey, ham, or veggies for a different flavor profile.
• Freeze for Later: If you won’t be able to eat the leftovers within a few days, consider freezing them for future quick meals. Remember to freeze without the croutons and add fresh ones when ready to serve.
• Soup ‘Bowl’: Hollow out a small loaf of bread and pour the reheated soup into it for a fun and tasty presentation.
• Pasta Sauce: You can also reduce the soup more on the stove and use it as a sauce for pasta or grains. Add a bit of cream or cheese for a richer sauce.

TIPS

• Herb Infusion: Tie fresh thyme, bay leaves, and parsley in a bundle and add it to the soup while cooking. Remove before blending.
• Citrus Zest: Add a burst of freshness by stirring in some lemon or orange zest just before serving.
• Creamy Texture: For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the peas with some broth and stir it back into the soup.

Nutrition Table