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Creamy Split Pea and Potato Soup with Bacon

overhead view of a bowl of creamy potato split pea soup topped with bacon and herbs with a gold spoon in it.

This smooth and creamy split pea and potato soup with bacon is full of veggies and flavor. It's a healthier but hearty soup that will keep you warm and cozy all the way through spring! (gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free)

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 strips thick cut bacon, cut into small pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup dried split peas
  • 2 cups gold potatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • Optional toppings: cooked bacon (from step one), chopped parsley or chives, sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, cook bacon pieces, stirring, over medium low heat until bacon is crispy.
  2. Remove bacon from pot to a paper towel-lined plate or bowl to drain. Wipe out the grease, leaving just enough to coat the pot.
  3. Add onion, garlic, celery, and parsley to pot and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add split peas, potatoes, salt, pepper, and stock. Stir and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes or until split peas are soft.
  6. Turn off heat and transfer to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. If you use a regular blender, be careful not completely seal the lid all the way, or it will explode with hot soup. I suggest leaving the center cap of the lid out and covering with a few layers of kitchen towels.
  7. Divide soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For vegetarian, omit the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing veggies. Use vegetable broth for vegan.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To make in the Instant Pot:

  1. Follow steps 1-3 from above on 'sauté' mode in the Instant Pot.
  2. Add remaining ingredients to the Instant Pot, close and lock lid, and close venting valve.
  3. Pressure cook on high 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid.
  4. Continue with steps 6 and 7 above.

Keywords: split pea potato soup, potato and split pea soup with bacon, creamy split pea and potato soup