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5 from 2 votes
Herbed Split Pea & Basmati Rice Soup with Caramelized Onions in a Bowl with Water Glass in the Background
Herbed Split Pea & Basmati Rice Soup with Caramelized Onions
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs 20 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 35 mins
 

Hearty split peas and fragrant basmati rice are simmered up with fresh herbs and caramelized onions to create this cozy and flavorful Persian-inspired split pea soup.

Course: Soup
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Servings: 6
Calories: 366 kcal
Author: Alissa Saenz
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onion Topping
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Soup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 12 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 ½ cups dried split peas
  • ¾ cup dried basmati rice
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup chopped scallions
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
  • Pomegranate molasses
Instructions
  1. To make the caramelized onions, coat the bottom of a large skillet with oil and place it over low heat. Add the onion and allow to cook for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until fully caramelized, stirring occasionally.

  2. While the onion cooks, coat the bottom of a large pot with oil and place it over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, turmeric and garlic. Continue to sauté for about 1 minute more, until very fragrant.

  3. Stir in the broth, peas and rice. Raise the heat and bring everything to a boil. Lower heat and allow to simmer, uncovered, until the peas and rice fall apart, about 2 hours and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

  4. Stir in the parsley, cilantro, scallions and mint and continue simmering for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

  5. Ladle into bowls and top with caramelized onions and extra herbs, if you like. Drizzle with pomegranate molasses. Serve.

Nutrition Facts
Herbed Split Pea & Basmati Rice Soup with Caramelized Onions
Amount Per Serving
Calories 366 Calories from Fat 52
% Daily Value*
Fat 5.8g9%
Sodium 1795mg75%
Potassium 787mg22%
Carbohydrates 65.9g22%
Fiber 15.7g63%
Sugar 9.5g11%
Protein 15.4g31%
Calcium 70mg7%
Iron 4.5mg25%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.