Popeye Split Pea Soup

Warm, hearty, and packed with vibrant nutrients, Popeye Split Pea Soup is a nourishing twist on a classic comfort dish. Featuring protein-rich dried split peas, a medley of aromatic vegetables, and a touch of smoky paprika, this recipe gets an energizing upgrade with the addition of fresh spinach—hence the nod to Popeye! Simmered to perfection in a savory vegetable broth and brightened with a splash of lemon juice, this soup achieves the perfect balance of creamy and earthy flavors. Whether partially blended for a velvety texture or left chunky for added heartiness, this 50-minute one-pot wonder is a satisfying, plant-based meal you'll turn to again and again. Serve it steaming hot with crusty bread for a comforting dinner or a wholesome lunch. Perfect for soup lovers looking for a healthy and delicious option!

Nutriscore Rating: 84/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 medium carrot, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dried split peas, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes or until the split peas are tender and breaking apart.

Step 6

Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, puree, and return it to the pot.

Step 7

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.

Step 8

Add the lemon juice, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with additional spinach or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2077.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1648.7

Total Fat 43.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5959.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 247.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 77.8g	0%
Total Sugars 48.5g
Protein 81.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 553.7mg	0%
Iron 22.8mg	0%
Potassium 5322.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.0%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 57.9%