Split pea soup won't soften. Any way to soften the peas without burning?
I am trying to make split pea soup. The first time I did it the peas softened just fine but the soup was scorched. I am trying again but at a lower heat, and the peas are refusing to soften.
Ingredients are 1 bag each of split peas, frozen carrots, and frozen onions, plus a small amount of Spike seasoning.
How can I soften the peas without scorching the soup? Is a slow cooker the best option?
Best Answer
The reason your split peas are hard is that you added salt or stock to the water before they finished cooking. From your initial post, you say you've added something called "Spike seasoning". I'm guessing that's the culprit. It's probably got salt in it.
You have to cook split peas in just water for at least an hour, then stir to break them down and add any vegetables to flavor the soup. Only after another 30 minutes or so should you add salt to taste.
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How do you fix split pea soup with hard peas?
If you can, try and buy from a place with a regular turn over of stock. Show activity on this post. It is very frustrating to find out your green or yellow split peas have not softened even after cooking for one hour. I find that if I puree them, then cook for another 30-60 minutes, the split peas will soften.How do you make split peas tender?
Bring to a boil over high heat, stir, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the split peas are tender, but not mushy and most of the liquid is absorbed. about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, and season with salt to taste.How do you make soft pea soup?
Split peas absorb lots of water as they cook, so check the soup often and add liquid as needed. The peas only need to be cooked until they are tender. But if you like a smoother, creamier texture, cook them longer until they soften and fall apart.Barefoot Contessa's 5-Star Split Pea Soup | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network
More answers regarding split pea soup won't soften. Any way to soften the peas without burning?
Answer 2
Starting with more water than you think you need, keeping the lid on for a bit and then stirring a lot while it reduces to the desired consistency should be all you need to do. Don't go far from it once it starts to thicken because it will need too much stirring.
You can cook split peas in a slow cooker, but I haven't found the softening very reliable. A fast boil before you start might help.
Answer 3
You can cook them in a pressure cooker. This will soften them in a relatively short amount of time. Another option is to soak them longer in advance of the cooking (for a day or so) in water, and baking soda...
Answer 4
I am alarmed to see a response that says to cook split peas in a pressure cooker. I use a Presto pressure cooker for many things, but its instructions are spelled out, "DO NOT COOK SPLIT PEAS." Please follow instructions for your pressure cooker to avoid a disaster in the kitchen. If after overnight soaking and cooking split peas for the normal time in the recipe, you might consider putting a portion into a blender or food processor to see if that gives the desired smoothness and creaminess.
Answer 5
If the peas (and beans or lentils for that matter) are old, they will not soften. It is best to buy new ones. Their shelf life is about one year. If you can, try and buy from a place with a regular turn over of stock.
Answer 6
It is very frustrating to find out your green or yellow split peas have not softened even after cooking for one hour. I find that if I puree them, then cook for another 30-60 minutes, the split peas will soften.
Answer 7
You have to put them into water for a few hours before cooking ( you can even add a hint of sodium bicarbonate to the water to help). When cooking, when the water starts to boil, you have to remove the foam from the top. Then it cooks in around 10 minutes.
Answer 8
I have cooked pea soup many times, and normally the peas soften. Bought a bag of split peas identified as Chana Dal (brand is Heer). Soaked for a day and half. Then cooked for 8 hours! still crunchy. I have heard that not all split peas are created equal. Will return to my old brand in future.
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