A comforting and hearty soup made with split peas and crispy bacon, perfect for a cozy meal.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan helps distribute heat evenly.
Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the saucepan and sauté until softened.
Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Stir in the split peas and pour in the chicken broth.
Rinse the split peas before adding to remove any debris.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the peas are tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until crispy.
Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Once the soup is cooked, blend half of it until smooth and return to the pot.
Blend in batches if your blender is small.
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and paprika, and stir well.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve the soup in bowls, topped with crispy bacon pieces.
Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
