Recipe for Hearty Polish Split Pea Soup

This Polish soup consists of yellow split peas, bacon, sausage, potatoes, carrots, and dried herbs.

Ingredients

Peas

• 400 grams yellow split peas, soaked for 12 hours
• 2 Liters water
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 grams allspice berries

Meat

• 300 grams smoked bacon, diced
• 200 grams kielbasa sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, diced

Vegetables

• 200 grams potatoes, cubed
• 150 grams carrots, diced
• 5 grams dried marjoram
• 5 grams salt

Preparation

Boiling

1. Rinse the soaked peas and place in a large pot with 2 Liters water, bay leaves, and allspice
2. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until peas start to break down

Searing

1. In a separate pan, fry the bacon and sausage until crispy
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes
3. Stir the meat mixture into the soup pot

Finishing

1. Add the potatoes and carrots and simmer for 20 minutes
2. Stir in the marjoram, salt, and pepper
3. Simmer for a final 15 minutes until thick and remove bay leaves before serving

Tips

• Rub the marjoram between your palms before adding it to release the aromatic oils
• Do not add salt until the peas are fully tender to ensure they soften correctly
• This soup thickens as it sits; add a splash of water when reheating the next day