Andersen's Split Pea Soup is a widely popular dish in California, known for its heartwarming flavor and smooth texture. This dish, which has been around for over 60 years, continues to be a fan-favorite, especially during the winter months.

The Origin of Andersen's Split Pea Soup

Andersen's Split Pea Soup was first served in Santa Nella, California, in 1964, by Danish immigrants Anton and Juliette Andersen. They started their business by selling 50 cups of soup per day at a roadside stand in the San Joaquin Valley. The recipe for their signature dish was passed down from the Andersen's family, and it quickly gained popularity among locals, leading to the opening of more Andersen's restaurants across California.

What Makes Andersen's Split Pea Soup Special?

Andersen's Split Pea Soup's unique flavor is derived from the use of smoked ham hocks, green split peas, and simple seasonings like onions, carrots, and celery. What makes it different from traditional split pea soup is the creamy texture, which is achieved by blending the soup until smooth, giving it a velvety consistency.

Copycat Recipes

For those who cannot make it to an Andersen's restaurant, numerous copycat recipes are available online, promising the same delicious taste without leaving the comfort of your home. Making a perfect replica of Andersen's Split Pea Soup can be a challenge due to its simple yet distinctive flavor. However, these copycat recipes come very close to its original taste and can satisfy any craving for the iconic California food.

1. Andersen's Split Pea Soup Copycat Recipe by Food.com

This recipe utilizes dried split peas, ham hocks, diced carrots, onions, and celery along with bay leaves and thyme to create the classic Andersen's flavor. The recipe recommends soaking the rice and preparing it in a pressure-cooker to save time. The key is to blend the soup until smooth, achieving the velvety texture perfect for Andersen's Split Pea Soup.

2. Andersen's Split Pea Soup Copycat Recipe by CDKitchen

This recipe calls for smoked ham bone instead of ham hocks, which supposedly gives a better flavor. It also includes diced potatoes, something not in the original Andersen's recipe. The soup is finished with heavy cream, adding richness to the velvety texture.

3. Andersen's Split Pea Soup Copycat Recipe by Six Sisters' Stuff

This recipe is the closest copycat of Andersen's Split Pea Soup, given its use of smoked ham hocks, dried split peas, carrots, onions, celery, and seasonings like bay leaves, thyme, and garlic powder. The recipe recommends adding some liquid smoke to get the perfect smoky flavor. It is also suggested to make a large batch and freeze the leftovers for later consumption.

Conclusion

Andersen's Split Pea Soup is a dish beloved by many Californians and foodies across the globe. It's distinct and straightforward flavor has stood the test of time for more than six decades. While making the perfect replica of Andersen's Split Pea Soup at home might be a bit challenging, there are numerous copycat recipes available that come very close to the original taste. These recipes prove that with the right ingredients and approach, achieving an iconic flavor can be made possible anywhere.

Tips for Making Authentic Andersens Split Pea Soup Copycat Recipes at Home

If you're a fan of Andersen's split pea soup, you've probably wished for a recipe you could make at home. After all, the restaurant version is rich, savory, and satisfying, and it's no wonder that many people want to replicate that flavor and texture in their own kitchens. Fortunately, there are many copycat recipes available online that claim to taste just like the real thing. However, not all of these recipes are created equal, and it can be hard to know which ones will truly capture the essence of Andersen's split pea soup. To help you create an authentic version of this beloved dish at home, we've compiled a list of valuable tips to follow when making Andersen's split pea soup copycat recipes.

Start with High-Quality Split Peas

One of the key ingredients in Andersen's split pea soup is, of course, split peas. These legumes are high in protein and fiber, and when cooked properly, they develop a delicious, creamy texture that makes them perfect for soup. When buying split peas for your homemade soup, make sure to choose high-quality beans that are fresh, free of mold or other contaminants, and have a uniform size and color. Avoid any split peas that are discolored, shriveled, or appear to be damaged.

Soak the Split Peas

Before cooking, it's a good idea to soak your split peas to help them cook more evenly and reduce the overall cooking time. Soaking also helps to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the peas. To soak split peas, simply place them in a bowl and cover with cold water. Allow them to soak for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if possible. Drain the peas and rinse them well before using them in your soup recipe.

Use Smoked Ham Hocks or Bacon for Flavor

Another key ingredient in Andersen's split pea soup is the meat used to flavor the soup. Typically, the restaurant uses smoked ham hocks, which impart a rich, smoky flavor to the soup. If you can't find smoked ham hocks, you can substitute with bacon or ham bones. When using bacon, cook it until it's crispy and then crumble it into the soup before serving. If using ham bones, be sure to cook them in the soup for at least an hour to release their flavorful juices.

Include Vegetables for Added Nutrition and Flavor

Andersen's split pea soup is also packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, which add both nutrition and flavor to the soup. When making your own copycat recipe, be sure to include these veggies for maximum flavor, texture, and nutrients.

Simmer the Soup for a Long Time

To get the rich, creamy texture that makes Andersen's split pea soup so satisfying, you'll need to simmer the soup for a long time. This allows the split peas to break down and thicken the broth, creating a velvety texture that's perfect for dipping crusty bread or crackers. Simmer your soup for at least two to three hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add more liquid (either water or broth) to reach your desired consistency.

Add Salt and Pepper to Taste

Once your soup has simmered for a few hours, it's time to add salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the soup before adding any salt, as the bacon or ham hocks may be salty enough on their own. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and adjust as needed, remembering that the flavors will continue to meld and develop as the soup sits. You can also add other seasonings like garlic, thyme, or bay leaves for extra flavor.

Let the Soup Rest Before Serving

After your soup has simmered for several hours and you've added seasonings to taste, you're ready to serve. However, it's important to let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and develop. Transfer the soup to a large serving bowl and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This also allows the soup to cool slightly and makes it easier to enjoy without burning your tongue!

Cleanup Tips

After you've enjoyed your homemade Andersen's split pea soup, it's important to properly clean your cooking utensils and surfaces to prevent the spread of bacteria. Wash all utensils, pots, and pans in hot, soapy water and dry them thoroughly before storing. Wipe down any surfaces that may have come into contact with the raw ingredients, including countertops, cutting boards, and knives. By following these valuable tips for making authentic Andersen's split pea soup copycat recipes, you'll be able to enjoy this delicious and comforting soup in the comfort of your own home.