split pea soup--andersen's original recipe

(8 ratings)
Recipe by
Janice Bartholome
Port Hueneme, CA

Anyone who has ever eaten split pea soup at Pea Soup Andersen's Restaurant in Buellton, California, knows it is a unique soup. But the recipe is no secret. It's offered to anyone who buys a bag of split peas in their food shop. This is the recipe off the bag. I've made it many times, and it's always a hit. And, by the way, the stuff by the same name that they sell in cans can't compare in taste to this homemade recipe.

(8 ratings)
yield 2 -4
prep time 20 Min
cook time 50 Min

Ingredients For split pea soup--andersen's original recipe

  • 2 qt
    soft water (i have always just used whatever came out of my tap)
  • 2 c
    split peas (a 14-16 oz. bag)
  • 1
    branch of celery, chopped
  • 1
    large carrot, chopped
  • 1 sm
    onion, chopped
  • 1 clove
    garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp
    thyme, ground
  • 1 pinch
    cayenne pepper
  • 1
    bay leaf
  • 1 tsp
    salt
  • 1/4 tsp
    black pepper

How To Make split pea soup--andersen's original recipe

  • 1
    I usually use a 28-ounce package of peas and double the rest of the ingredients. A single recipe isn't quite enough for a family of two adults and two children, or to have enough for a second meal for two adults.
  • 2
    Combine all ingredients in a large pot and boil hard for 20 minutes, then slowly until peas are tender. (The 50-minute cooking time is approximate. After the 20 minutes of "hard boil," I reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the peas mash easily.)
  • 3
    Strain through a fine sieve. (I use my food processor. Don't forget to remove the bay leaf!)
  • 4
    Reheat to the boiling point.
  • 5
    I ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle it with a bit of paprika or Parmesan and a few croutons. I never add ham or anything to this recipe because I love Andersen's flavor. I sometimes make a different split pea soup with ham that I don't puree--I leave it kind of chunky with the peas adding texture. It just depends upon what I'm in the mood for. :)

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