Hearty Goya Split Pea Soup: Easy Recipe

Craving a truly comforting, hearty, and budget-friendly meal? Look no further than a classic Goya Split Pea Soup. Many home cooks love the familiar flavors and simple preparation, but sometimes wonder how to get that perfect texture or boost the taste even further. Maybe you’ve found your soup a bit bland, or you’re unsure about the best way to incorporate ham or adapt it for your slow cooker.

To make a delicious Goya Split Pea Soup, you typically combine Goya dry green split peas with aromatics like onion and garlic, carrots, water or broth, and often smoked ham or a ham bone. Key Goya products like their bouillon and Sazón seasoning can enhance the flavor profile significantly.

You’re in the right place! This guide dives deep into mastering the Goya Split Pea Soup recipe, from the essential steps to exciting variations and pro tips for making it taste absolutely amazing. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including ingredient selection, step-by-step instructions, popular twists like using a slow cooker or adding chorizo, and how to perfectly store and reheat your leftovers. Get ready to create a soul-warming soup that will become a family favorite.

Key Facts:
* Split peas are legumes, specifically field peas grown for drying, and are high in protein and dietary fiber.
* Unlike other dried beans, split peas do not typically require soaking before cooking, saving preparation time (Source: soupfanatic.com).
* Goya Foods, known for its Latin American food products, offers both green and yellow split peas, with green often being slightly sweeter and yellow more earthy (Source: soupfanatic.com).
* Split pea soup is a traditional dish in many cultures, often associated with comfort food and cold weather meals.
* Adding acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking can brighten the flavor of split pea soup.

Why Choose Goya Split Pea Soup for a Hearty Meal?

Goya Split Pea Soup is a **hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly meal. It’s easy to prepare using readily available Goya ingredients like dry green split peas and Sazón Goya. This recipe offers a flavorful taste familiar to fans of Latin cuisine and simple home cooking.**

Think about those chilly evenings when only a warm, satisfying bowl of soup will do. That’s where Goya Split Pea Soup truly shines. It leverages pantry staples, making it an economical choice without sacrificing flavor. Using Goya’s specific products, like their dry split peas and signature Sazón seasoning, brings a distinct, well-loved taste profile that many associate with comforting home cooking.

Furthermore, the basic recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. Yet, it also serves as a fantastic base for customization. Whether you stick to the classic or add your own twists, Goya Split Pea Soup delivers a nourishing and deeply satisfying experience, making it a reliable go-to meal option.

How Do You Make the Classic Goya Split Pea Soup?

To make classic Goya Split Pea Soup, you’ll need **Goya dry green split peas, smoked ham, onion, garlic, carrot, Goya chicken bouillon, Sazón Goya, and water. Rinse peas, combine ingredients in a pot, boil, then simmer for 45-60 minutes until tender. Season and serve warm.**

Making this comforting soup is simpler than you might think. It primarily involves simmering the ingredients until the peas break down and create a thick, flavorful base. The combination of savory ham, aromatic vegetables, and Goya’s signature seasonings results in a soup that’s both familiar and delicious.

Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need and the steps to follow for that perfect pot of soup. Remember, precise measurements can be adjusted slightly based on your preferences, but this provides a solid foundation for the classic recipe.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the typical components for a flavorful batch of Goya Split Pea Soup, serving approximately 6-8 people:

• 1 (1 lb) package Goya Dry Green Split Peas: The star of the show.
• 1/4 lb Smoked Ham or Ham Hock: Provides a deep, savory, and smoky flavor. Diced ham or a meaty ham bone works well.
• 1 large Onion: Finely chopped. Yellow or white onions are suitable.
• 1-2 cloves Garlic: Minced. Adjust according to your taste.
• 1 medium Carrot: Chopped or diced. Adds sweetness and color.
• (Optional) 1 stalk Celery: Chopped. Adds another layer of aromatic flavor.
• 6-8 cups Water or Broth: Use water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth. Using broth adds more depth. Start with 6 cups and add more if needed for desired consistency.
• 1 cube Goya Chicken Bouillon (or Ham Flavored Concentrate): Enhances the savory notes. Adjust salt accordingly if using bouillon.
• 1 packet Sazón Goya con Achiote (or Culantro y Achiote): Provides signature Goya flavor and color. Choose the variety based on preference (con Achiote adds color without strong coriander/cumin notes).
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste. Be mindful of salt if using bouillon and ham.
• (Optional) 1 Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle herbal background note (remove before serving).

Key Takeaway: Gathering your ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking makes the process smoother and ensures you have everything you need on hand.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious pot of classic Goya Split Pea Soup:

1. Prepare the Peas: Rinse the Goya dry green split peas thoroughly under cold running water. Pick through them to remove any stones or debris. Unlike many other dried legumes, soaking split peas is generally not required.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed split peas, smoked ham (or ham hock), chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrot, (optional celery), water or broth, Goya bouillon cube, Sazón Goya packet, and the optional bay leaf.
3. Bring to a Boil: Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
4. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot loosely (allowing some steam to escape), and let the soup simmer gently.
5. Cook Until Tender: Simmer for approximately 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The soup is ready when the split peas are very tender and starting to break down, thickening the soup naturally. Cooking time can vary slightly. Add more water or broth if the soup becomes too thick during cooking.
6. Adjust Flavor (Ham Hock): If using a ham hock or bone, carefully remove it from the pot once the soup is cooked. If desired, shred any meat from the bone and return it to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
7. Season: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that the ham and bouillon add saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt.
8. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.

What Are Popular Variations of Goya Split Pea Soup?

Popular variations include **Goya split pea soup with ham bone for deeper flavor, using a slow cooker for convenience, or adding crispy chorizo for a smoky kick. You can also substitute yellow split peas or adjust seasonings like Sazón Goya to taste.**

The classic Goya Split Pea Soup is fantastic on its own, but it also serves as an excellent canvas for culinary creativity. Many cooks enjoy putting their own spin on the recipe, adapting it to different cooking methods, flavor preferences, or dietary needs. Exploring these variations can lead you to discover your new favorite way to enjoy this comforting dish.

From using different types of meat or making it vegetarian to utilizing convenient appliances like a slow cooker or Instant Pot, the possibilities are quite diverse. Let’s explore some of the most popular and delicious ways to customize your Goya Split Pea Soup.

Making Goya Split Pea Soup with Ham or Ham Bone

Using a **ham bone adds significant depth and smoky flavor to Goya split pea soup. Simmer the bone with the peas from the start, removing it before serving. Diced smoked ham provides texture and taste.**

This is perhaps the most traditional addition. A meaty ham bone, often leftover from a roast, infuses the soup with an incredibly rich, smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate. Simmer the bone along with the peas and vegetables right from the beginning. The collagen and marrow break down, adding body and depth. Before serving, remove the bone, shred any tender meat clinging to it, and stir the meat back into the soup.

Alternatively, using diced smoked ham or a smoked ham hock provides similar smoky notes and adds pleasant bites of meat throughout the soup. Add diced ham along with the vegetables or simmer the hock from the start like a ham bone.

Tip: If you don’t have a leftover ham bone, check your local butcher or supermarket meat counter – they often sell smoked ham hocks specifically for flavoring soups and beans.

Adapting the Recipe for a Slow Cooker

To make Goya split pea soup in a slow cooker, **combine all ingredients except seasoning adjustments, stir, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until peas are tender. Season to taste before serving.**

A slow cooker makes this soup incredibly easy and hands-off. Simply rinse the peas and combine them with the ham (if using), onion, garlic, carrot, celery (if using), broth/water, bouillon, and Sazón packet in the slow cooker insert.

Stir everything together, cover, and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours. The peas should be completely tender and the soup thickened. Before serving, remove the ham bone/hock (if used), shred the meat, discard the bone, and stir the meat back in. Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper) as needed. This method is perfect for having a hot meal ready when you get home.

Adding Chorizo or Sazón Goya for Extra Flavor

For a different smoky and slightly spicy profile, consider adding Spanish chorizo. Brown some sliced or diced chorizo in the pot before adding the other ingredients, or fry it separately until crisp and use it as a garnish. The rendered fat from the chorizo adds a beautiful layer of flavor.

Don’t underestimate the impact of Goya’s own Sazón packets! While the classic recipe often calls for one packet (like Sazón Goya con Achiote for color and mild flavor), you can experiment with other varieties. Sazón con Culantro y Achiote adds more distinct cilantro notes, while Sazón con Azafrán imparts a subtle saffron flavor. Using an extra packet or a different type can significantly boost the Latin-inspired taste of your soup. Some cooks also enjoy adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika alongside the Sazón for even more complexity.

How Can You Make Your Split Pea Soup Taste Even Better?

To improve split pea soup flavor, **add herbs like bay leaf or thyme during cooking, a splash of vinegar at the end, or smoked paprika. For thickness, blend a portion of the soup or reduce the cooking liquid slightly.**

While the classic Goya recipe is delicious, there are always ways to elevate it further, tailoring it precisely to your palate. Sometimes a soup might turn out a little bland, or perhaps the texture isn’t quite right. Fortunately, there are simple tricks and additions that can significantly enhance both the flavor and consistency of your homemade split pea soup.

Think beyond just salt and pepper. Incorporating different herbs, spices, or even a surprising finishing touch can add layers of complexity. Likewise, achieving that perfect creamy or satisfyingly thick texture often just requires a simple technique. Let’s look at some effective ways to boost your soup game.

Techniques for Thickening Your Soup

Thicken split pea soup by **using an immersion blender to partially puree it, simmering longer uncovered to evaporate liquid, or mashing some peas against the pot side. Adding a cooked, mashed potato also works.**

Is your soup thinner than you’d like? Here are a few easy methods:

• Blend a Portion: Carefully ladle out 1-2 cups of the soup (avoiding large ham pieces if possible) and blend it until smooth using a standard blender or an immersion blender. Stir the pureed portion back into the pot. This creates creaminess without adding dairy. An immersion blender allows you to do this directly in the pot – just partially blend until you reach the desired consistency.
• Mash Some Peas: Use the back of a spoon to mash some of the cooked peas against the side of the pot. This releases their starch and helps thicken the soup naturally.
• Simmer Longer: If you have time, simply let the soup simmer gently, uncovered, for an additional 15-30 minutes. This allows excess liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and thickening the soup. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Add Potato: Adding a peeled, diced potato along with the other vegetables can help thicken the soup as it cooks down and releases its starch.

Key Takeaway: Start with slightly less liquid (e.g., 6 cups) and add more only if needed. It’s easier to thin a thick soup than to thicken a thin one.

Flavor Enhancements and Toppings

Want to add more character to your soup? Consider these flavor boosters and finishing touches:

• Herbs: Add a bay leaf (remove before serving) or a sprig of fresh thyme during simmering for subtle aromatic depth.
• Smoked Paprika: A pinch of smoked paprika stirred in adds a lovely smokiness, especially if you’re making a vegetarian version without ham.
• Liquid Smoke: Use very sparingly if you want a smoky flavor without using smoked meat. A few drops are usually sufficient.
• Vinegar or Lemon Juice: A small splash of apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or lemon juice stirred in right before serving brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness.
• Toppings: Elevate the presentation and add texture with toppings like:
  • Homemade croutons
  • Crispy bacon bits or fried chorizo
  • A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • Freshly chopped parsley or chives
  • A drizzle of good quality olive oil

How Should You Serve and Store Goya Split Pea Soup?

Serve Goya Split Pea Soup **hot, often garnished with croutons or fresh parsley, alongside crusty bread for dipping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.**

Once you’ve crafted that perfect pot of Goya Split Pea Soup, serving it right enhances the experience. It’s also helpful to know the best ways to store any leftovers so you can enjoy this comforting meal again later. Proper storage ensures the soup maintains its quality and safety.

The rich, earthy flavors of split pea soup pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. And because it often yields a generous amount, understanding how to refrigerate or freeze it correctly is key to minimizing waste and maximizing enjoyment.

Best Pairings and Serving Ideas

Goya Split Pea Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty Bread: Essential for dipping! Sourdough, French baguette, or a rustic whole-grain loaf are excellent choices.
• Crackers: Simple saltines or butter crackers work well.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic comfort food pairing. The gooey cheese and toasted bread complement the savory soup perfectly.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich soup.
• Cornbread: Slightly sweet cornbread is another traditional and delicious partner.

Serve the soup piping hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like croutons, fresh herbs, or a swirl of cream.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store leftover split pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. **Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding water or broth if it has thickened too much.**

Follow these steps for optimal storage:

1. Cool Down: Allow the soup to cool completely at room temperature before storing. Do not leave it out for more than two hours.
2. Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled soup to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
3. Freeze: For longer storage, portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (leaving some headspace for expansion). Label with the date. Frozen split pea soup is best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal quality.
4. Thaw: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
5. Reheat: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat portions in the microwave. Split pea soup tends to thicken considerably when chilled or frozen. You will likely need to add a splash of water, broth, or even milk while reheating to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate the liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed after reheating.

FAQs About Goya Split Pea Soup Recipe

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making Goya Split Pea Soup:

What ingredients go in Goya split pea soup?

Core ingredients typically include Goya dry split peas (usually green), water or broth, onion, garlic, carrot, and often smoked ham or a ham bone. Goya chicken bouillon and a packet of Sazón Goya are commonly used for signature flavor. Celery and bay leaves are frequent optional additions.

Can I make Goya split pea soup without ham?

Yes, absolutely. You can make a delicious vegetarian version by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth. To add depth, consider sautéing mushrooms with the onions or adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor hint. Some recipes also use ground beef as an alternative (Source: soupfanatic.com).

How long does it take to cook Goya split peas until tender?

Typically, Goya split peas take about 45-60 minutes of simmering on the stovetop to become fully tender and start breaking down. In a slow cooker, this takes roughly 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Cooking times can vary slightly based on the age of the peas and heat levels.

What’s the difference between green and yellow split peas for soup?

Green split peas tend to be slightly sweeter and hold their shape a bit more, while yellow split peas are milder, earthier, and break down more readily, creating a smoother soup. Both can be used in Goya recipes, offering slightly different flavor profiles and textures. Food.com features a yellow split pea soup based on Goya’s recipe.

Can I use a Goya ham bouillon cube instead of chicken?

Yes, using a Goya ham-flavored bouillon cube or concentrate is an excellent substitute for chicken bouillon, especially if you are making the soup with ham. It will reinforce the savory, meaty flavor profile characteristic of classic split pea soup with ham. Adjust salt accordingly.

What does the Sazón Goya packet add to the soup?

Sazón Goya packets add a signature blend of savory flavors, MSG (in most varieties), salt, garlic, cumin, and often annatto (achiote) for color. It contributes a distinct Latin-inspired taste and yellowish-orange hue that many associate with Goya products. Different varieties offer slightly different flavor nuances.

How do I make Goya split pea soup in an Instant Pot?

Rinse peas. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot in the Instant Pot. Add peas, ham (if using), broth/water, bouillon, and Sazón. Secure the lid, set to Manual/Pressure Cook on high for 15-20 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure. Remove ham bone (if used), adjust seasoning, and serve.

Why is my split pea soup not thickening?

This could be due to using too much liquid initially, not cooking the peas long enough for them to break down, or using very old split peas which sometimes resist softening. Try simmering uncovered longer, mashing some peas against the pot, or blending a portion of the soup to thicken it.

What can I add to split pea soup to make it taste better?

Boost flavor with herbs (bay leaf, thyme), spices (smoked paprika, cumin), a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end, or richer broth. Ensure adequate salt and pepper. Using a ham bone, smoked ham, or even crispy bacon/chorizo adds significant savory depth.

Is Goya split pea soup healthy?

Generally, yes. Split peas are highly nutritious, packed with fiber, protein, iron, and potassium. The overall healthiness depends on additions like sodium from bouillon/ham and fat content from meat. Homemade versions allow control over these elements, making it a potentially very healthy and filling meal.

Summary: Your Go-To Hearty Goya Split Pea Soup

Goya Split Pea Soup stands out as a remarkably comforting, flavorful, and adaptable dish. Whether you stick to the classic recipe featuring Goya’s signature green split peas and Sazón seasoning or venture into variations using ham bones, slow cookers, or different flavor additions, the result is consistently satisfying. Its simplicity makes it accessible for cooks of all levels, while its hearty nature makes it a perfect meal for cooler weather or any time you crave substantial comfort food.

Remember the key tips: rinse your peas, don’t shy away from aromatics and savory elements like ham or bouillon, and feel free to adjust consistency and flavor with techniques like blending or adding a splash of vinegar. With minimal effort, you can create a truly delicious and nourishing soup that warms the soul.

What’s your favorite way to make Goya Split Pea Soup? Do you have any special tips or variations? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to share this recipe with fellow soup lovers!