Goya Split Pea Soup Recipe

I’ve been simmering the Goya Split Pea Soup to perfection, and it’s become a much-anticipated comfort dish in my home.

I always make sure to sort and rinse the split peas thoroughly – it’s a simple step that ensures a smooth soup texture.

The way the flavors meld together after a slow cook is something I look forward to, especially on cooler days.

I’m particularly fond of this recipe for its heartiness and the way it fills the kitchen with that homely aroma.

One valuable tip:

Don’t rush the cooking process; slow and steady wins the race for the creamiest split pea soup.

How to Make Goya Split Pea Soup

Ingredients List

• 1 package Goya dry green or yellow split peas
• 1 Goya chicken bouillon
• 1 packet Sazón Goya without Annatto
• 1/4 lb. smoked ham, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups of water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: Bay leaf, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder for additional seasoning

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Begin by sorting and rinsing the split peas to remove any debris or dirt.

You could use either green or yellow split peas for this recipe.

Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing the carrot.

Also, dice the smoked ham into small pieces.

Step 2

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Introduce the diced carrots and smoked ham to the mixture.

Stir and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3

Mix in the sorted and rinsed split peas, as well as the Goya chicken bouillon and Sazón Goya packet.

Pour in 6 cups of water and, if desired, add the optional bay leaf, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder for added seasoning.

Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 1-1.5 hours, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has reached your desired consistency.

Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Carefully taste the soup, adjusting the salt and pepper to your preference.

If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a food processor or immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks of ham and vegetables for a more varied texture.

Step 5

Alternatively, serve the soup as is for a heartier, chunkier split pea soup.

Now, you are ready to enjoy your hearty and delicious homemade Goya Split Pea Soup.

Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Side Dishes for Goya Split Pea Soup

When enjoying a bowl of Goya Split Pea Soup, you might be wondering what side dishes best complement its savory and hearty flavors.

Here are a few side dishes that will enhance your dining experience.

Dark Rye Bread

Dark rye bread is a staple in many European countries and pairs excellently with Goya Split Pea Soup.

The strong, robust flavor of dark rye bread cuts through the creaminess of the soup, while the dense texture allows you to soak up every last drop.

Simply tear off a piece of bread and dunk it in the soup, or serve it on the side with softened butter.

Cheese Sandwich

A cheese sandwich can be a delightful companion to your Goya Split Pea Soup.

The combination of gooey melted cheese and crispy toasted bread adds a pleasant contrast to the soup’s smooth consistency.

Opt for a sharp cheddar or tangy Swiss cheese to complement the earthy flavors of the split peas.

For a delicious twist, you can even include a few slices of ham, adding another layer of flavor that echoes the soup’s ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutes

You might not always have the exact ingredients at hand, or you may want to try alternative options for health or dietary reasons.

Here are some possible substitutes you can consider using in place of the designated ingredients:

Olive Oil substitutes 

If you don’t have olive oil available, you can use another heat-stable oil like avocado oil or vegetable oil as an alternative for sautéing the ingredients in your goya split pea soup.

These oils have a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making them suitable for cooking at high temperatures.

Garlic Powder 

In case you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, you can replace it with garlic powder in your goya split pea soup recipe.

The general rule is to use ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder for every garlic clove required in the recipe.

However, if you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, feel free to adjust the quantity accordingly.

Chicken Bouillon substitutes 

You can replace chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon if you prefer a vegetarian version of goya split pea soup or if you simply don’t have chicken bouillon available.

Vegetable bouillon offers a similar savory taste and depth of flavor.

Alternatively, you can use an equivalent amount of chicken or vegetable broth in place of the bouillon and corresponding water.

How to Store Goya Split Pea Soup

When it comes to storing your Goya Split Pea Soup, proper storage methods will ensure that it retains its silky texture and delicious flavor.

Here are some guidelines to help you store your soup effectively.

Using Hot Water to Reheat

To reheat your pea soup, you may use hot water.

Gently immerse the container holding the soup in hot water and let it heat slowly while stirring occasionally.

This will help retain its original texture and prevent it from becoming too thick.

Storing in Individual Bowls

If you have leftovers, consider dividing the soup into individual bowls before refrigerating.

This will make it easier to serve, reheat, and enjoy later on.

Simply cover the bowls tightly with plastic wrap or a well-fitting lid to ensure freshness.

Pea Soup Storage Instructions

Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before storing it.

Transfer the soup into airtight containers or individual bowls with tight-fitting lids.

Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

When reheating, consider using a hot water bath to maintain the soup’s texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the Wrong Heat Level

While preparing Goya split pea soup, it is crucial to use the appropriate heat levels.

Cooking the soup on medium heat allows the ingredients to meld together and develop their full flavor.

If using medium-high heat, the soup might cook too quickly, leading to unevenly cooked peas and vegetables.

Not Sautéing Vegetables Properly

Before adding the peas and liquids, sautéing the garlic, onion, carrots, and celery (if using) is highly recommended.

Doing so with a proper fat source (such as coconut oil, butter, or olive oil) enhances the flavors and helps ingredients blend seamlessly.

Avoid using a paper towel to sauté.

Skipping a Rinse and Sort Step

Always rinse the split peas under cold water and remove any debris or stones before cooking.

Skipping this step may result in an unpleasant texture or unexpected crunchiness in your soup.

Inadequate Amount of Liquid

For a rich, smooth, and hearty soup, ensure you use enough liquid for cooking the split peas.

A good base includes six cups of water or a low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor.

Adding insufficient liquid may cause the soup to be overly thick or unevenly cooked.