Grochówka (Polish Split Pea Soup with Smoked Sausage)
Why this recipe works
- Naturally creamy: Split peas soften and break down as they simmer, thickening the soup without cream or flour.
- Smoky depth: Adding the smoked sausage after the peas have softened keeps the sausage flavour clear while still seasoning the broth.
- Hearty and filling: Peas, root vegetables and sausage make the soup substantial enough to serve as a main meal.
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Authenticity notes
- Polish home-style character: Grochówka is known for its thick texture, smoky meat and simple vegetable base rather than a light, brothy finish.
- Marjoram matters: Dried marjoram is a characteristic finishing herb in this style of soup, adding a warm, familiar note without overpowering the peas.
Texture tips
- For a creamier soup: Mash some of the softened peas and vegetables against the side of the pot, then stir them back through the soup.
- Loosen if needed: Split pea soup thickens as it stands, so add a little hot water while reheating or before serving if it becomes too dense.
Make-ahead tips
- Good the next day: The smoky and herbal flavours settle well after chilling, making this a useful make-ahead soup.
- Reheat gently: Warm in a saucepan over moderate heat, stirring often and adding a little water if the soup has thickened in the fridge.
- Freezes well: Cool quickly, freeze in sealed containers, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating until piping hot.
Ingredient notes
- Choose a smoked sausage: A well-smoked sausage gives the soup its savoury depth; a milder sausage will produce a softer, less pronounced flavour.
- Rinse the peas: Rinsing the split peas removes surface starch and any dust before they go into the pot.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and finely dice the onion. Peel the carrots and cut into small dice, then peel the celeriac and cut into small dice as well.
- Slice the smoked sausage into thick rounds. Rinse the split peas under cold running water until the water runs mostly clear.
- Put the onion, carrots, celeriac, split peas, vegetable stock and bay leaves into a large pot. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are very tender.
- Stir in the smoked sausage and continue to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the soup is thick and creamy and the sausage is hot throughout. If it gets too thick, loosen with a splash of water from the kettle and stir well.
- Remove the bay leaves, then season with the fine sea salt, black pepper and dried marjoram. Simmer for 2 minutes more, then rest off the heat for 5 minutes before serving so the soup settles and thickens slightly.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For a smoother, creamier texture, mash a few ladlefuls of soup against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon, then stir back in.
- Add the dried marjoram at the end so it stays fragrant rather than tasting dull from long simmering.
- If serving vulnerable groups, make sure the soup is piping hot throughout, especially once the sausage is added.
Substitutions
- Replace the smoked sausage with smoked turkey for a lighter but still smoky flavour.
- Replace the vegetable stock with chicken stock for a richer, more savoury broth.
- Replace the celeriac with parsnip for a sweeter, milder base.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan, stirring often and adding a little water if needed, until piping hot; freeze for up to 3 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 1h 35min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Polish
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Allergens:
Celery
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