Spiderweb Split Pea Soup

This comforting split pea soup is perfect for cozy evenings when you want something hearty and nourishing. The gentle blend of tender split peas and aromatic vegetables creates a rich base while the smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness. The final touch of sour cream decorated into a spiderweb pattern not only makes it festive and fun but also adds a creamy contrast that elevates every spoonful.

I first made this soup on a chilly fall night, and now it’s a favorite whenever I want something warm and wholesome. The subtle smokiness combined with the creamy texture always feels like a big comforting hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: gently sautés the vegetables and adds a silky base
• Large yellow onion: provides a sweet, savory backbone
• Carrots: add natural sweetness and color, making the soup vibrant
• Celery: contributes a fresh, slightly herbal note
• Garlic: gives a punch of aroma and depth
• Dried split peas: are the star ingredient offering great texture and plant protein be sure to rinse and sort them to avoid any debris
• Low-sodium vegetable broth: keeps the flavor rich without overwhelming saltiness, making it easier to adjust seasoning
• Water: balances the soup consistency perfectly
• Dried thyme: brings gentle earthiness
• Bay leaf: infuses a subtle herbal aroma during simmering
• Smoked paprika: adds a warm, smoky undertone that elevates the whole dish
• Ground black pepper: gives just enough bite
• Salt: enhances all the flavors harmoniously
• Sour cream: provides creaminess and tang, making the soup luscious and smooth
• Milk or water: is used to thin the sour cream for decorating
• Fresh chives or parsley: offer a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and the onions turn translucent. This slow softening builds a flavorful base.

Add Garlic:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. This step unlocks the garlic’s rich aroma.

Combine Ingredients in Pot:

Add the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, water, dried thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir thoroughly making sure everything is well combined.

Simmer the Soup:

Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 50 to 60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The split peas will soften and the soup will thicken to a creamy consistency.

Remove Bay Leaf and Blend:

Take out the bay leaf. For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully purée the soup depending on your preference. Blending helps create a velvety mouthfeel.

Prepare the Sour Cream Decoration:

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream with milk or water until smooth and pourable. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a tiny corner snipped off.

Serve with Spiderweb Pattern:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Pipe concentric circles of sour cream on top. Using a toothpick or skewer, drag lines from the center outward through the circles to form a spiderweb design. Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

I love how the smoked paprika lends a gentle smokiness that feels both cozy and sophisticated. Decorating the soup with the spiderweb pattern always brings a smile to my family’s faces, especially around Halloween or autumn gatherings where presentation makes all the difference.

Storage Tips

Store leftover split pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the thickness and stir well over medium heat until warmed through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika with a small pinch of cayenne can add some smokiness and heat. You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy creamy topping with fewer calories. Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls to soak up the flavors. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy soup for a well-rounded meal. Add crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms on top to introduce texture and savory notes.

This soup is comforting and festive. Enjoy every spoonful of this hearty and nourishing meal.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What is the purpose of the bay leaf in this soup?

The bay leaf adds subtle earthy and herbal notes, enhancing the overall flavor as the soup simmers.

→ How can the soup be thickened if it’s too runny?

Simmering longer helps evaporate excess liquid, or puréeing more of the soup will naturally thicken its texture.

→ Can this soup be made without an immersion blender?

Yes, using a regular blender in batches works well to achieve the desired smoothness.

→ What creates the spiderweb effect on top of the soup?

Sour cream is piped in concentric circles, then a toothpick or skewer is dragged outward to form the spiderweb design.

→ Are there alternative garnishes besides chives or parsley?

Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can also be used, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added color and flavor.