Warm up your kitchen with this quick & easy wonton soup twist on split pea soup. It’s savory, hearty, and loaded with tender dumplings, mushrooms, and bok choy. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup
This split pea soup brings comfort in a bowl. It’s quick & easy wonton soup inspired, so you get light broth and tender dumplings with the cozy heartiness of classic split pea.
You’ll love how the mushrooms add earthiness, while bok choy keeps it fresh. The soy sauce and sesame oil give every spoonful a rich, savory depth.
Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, so you can have a homemade meal without stress. Whether you want something soothing after a long day or a family-friendly dinner that everyone enjoys, this soup will hit the spot.
Plus, it’s flexible enough for adding extra veggies or proteins. Simple ingredients, big comfort, and minimal effort—that’s why this soup will become a weeknight favorite.
What Is Split Pea Soup?
Split pea soup is a classic dish made from dried green or yellow peas simmered until tender. Traditionally, it’s thick, creamy, and often flavored with ham or smoked meats.
However, this version takes a lighter approach by pairing the cozy flavors with a quick & easy wonton soup style broth. Instead of hours of cooking, it’s ready in half an hour and has a fresh twist with bok choy and mushrooms.
The result is a balanced mix of familiar comfort and modern freshness. Split pea soup is known for being nutritious, packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
This variation keeps it wholesome but adds a touch of Asian-inspired flavor with soy sauce and sesame oil. Think of it as the best of both worlds—comfort food with a refreshing spin.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
You’ll need chicken broth, garlic, water, frozen wontons, shiitake mushrooms, and bok choy. These create the base of the soup, providing light flavor, earthy depth, and satisfying dumplings. Sesame oil and soy sauce give it a savory finish.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
You can swap mushrooms for any variety you like, use spinach instead of bok choy, or even try vegetable broth for a meat-free version. Adding shrimp, pork, or extra veggies makes it heartier.
How to Make Split Pea Soup Step by Step
Step 1 – Boil the Chicken
Bring low-sodium chicken broth, water, and pressed garlic to a boil in a large pot. This forms the base of your soup.
Step 2 – Sauté the Aromatics
Although the broth carries most of the flavor, garlic adds depth. Let it simmer to release aroma before adding the wontons.
Step 3 – Add Split Peas and Seasonings
In a traditional split pea soup, you’d simmer peas until soft. Here, instead, you drop in frozen wontons, which cook quickly and float when done. Then stir in soy sauce for seasoning.
Step 4 – Simmer with Potatoes
Instead of potatoes, this variation uses bok choy and shiitake mushrooms. Add them once wontons rise, then simmer about 15 minutes until tender.
Step 5 – Finish with Fresh Dill
Here, you’ll finish with sesame oil and green onions. They brighten the soup and balance the hearty broth. Serve hot and enjoy the cozy blend of flavors.
Cooking Tips and Recipe Notes
How to Soften and Cook Split Peas Faster
If you’re making classic split pea soup, soak peas ahead of time. For this version, skip soaking since we use quick-cooking wontons instead.
Adjusting Thickness and Texture
For a lighter soup, add extra water or broth. For a thicker feel, let it simmer a bit longer so the vegetables soften more.
Flavor Boosting Ideas
A splash of rice vinegar, chili oil, or ginger can add an extra punch. Using beef or vegetable broth changes the flavor profile too.
Making the Soup Creamier
For a creamier version, stir in a small drizzle of coconut milk. It adds richness without overpowering the light broth.
Protein Variations and Substitutions
You can swap chicken broth for beef or veggie stock. Try adding shrimp, thinly sliced pork, or chicken pieces for extra protein. Tofu cubes also make a great vegetarian option. Wontons themselves bring a mix of meat or veggie filling, so even without extras, it’s satisfying. Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the protein you add.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the broth. It also pairs well with a light salad for balance. For family dinners, set out soy sauce, chili flakes, or sesame seeds so everyone can season their bowl. This soup is cozy enough for cold nights yet light enough for spring lunches.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Do not freeze, as wontons lose texture. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Avoid boiling when reheating so the wontons stay tender.
Related Recipes to Try
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common mistakes when cooking split peas?
Not soaking them, using too little liquid, or cooking at high heat can make them mushy or uneven.
What is needed for split pea soup?
Dried split peas, broth, aromatics like onion or garlic, and seasonings. Variations may include ham, carrots, or celery.
How to tell when split pea soup is done?
When peas are soft and breaking down, the soup is ready. It should be thick but still spoonable.
How long can you keep split pea soup?
Up to 5 days in the fridge. Always reheat gently to keep flavors balanced.
Conclusion
This split pea soup with a quick & easy wonton soup twist is hearty, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or light lunches, and it adapts easily to whatever veggies or proteins you love. For more meal inspiration, you can browse my recipe boards on Pinterest. Bookmark this recipe and enjoy comfort in every spoonful.
PrintSplit Pea Soup Recipe (Hearty and Comforting)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A quick & easy wonton soup twist on split pea soup with mushrooms, bok choy, and savory broth. Ready in 30 minutes, light yet hearty!
Ingredients
32 oz low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
2 cloves garlic, pressed
20 frozen wontons
8 oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced
4 baby bok choy, chopped
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Bring chicken broth, water, and garlic to a boil.
2. Add wontons and cook until they float.
3. Add bok choy and mushrooms, then simmer over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
5. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
Use low-sodium broth to avoid excess salt when adding soy sauce.
Rinse bok choy thoroughly to remove dirt.
Do not overcook wontons; remove when they float to avoid mushiness.
Best eaten fresh; not suitable for freezing.
Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Split Pea Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 147
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 438mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 2mg