Pea Soup Recipe

Pea soup is a comforting and nutritious dish made with green peas, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful broth. Whether you prefer a classic split pea soup with ham or a fresh green pea version, this soup is hearty, easy to make, and perfect for any season. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and Budget-Friendly: Made with basic pantry ingredients.
  • Nutritious and Filling: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins.
  • Customizable: Can be made with fresh peas, split peas, or even frozen peas.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day and freezes well.
  • Comforting and Delicious: A warm, satisfying soup for any time of year.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Green split peas (or fresh/frozen peas for a lighter version)
  • Onion, chopped
  • Carrots, diced
  • Celery, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Vegetable or chicken broth
  • Bay leaf
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil or butter
  • Optional: Ham, bacon, or smoked sausage for added flavor

Directions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened.
  2. Add Peas and Broth: Stir in the split peas (or fresh peas) and pour in the broth. Add the bay leaf and thyme.
  3. Simmer the Soup: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer. Cook split peas for 45-60 minutes (or fresh peas for 15-20 minutes) until tender.
  4. Blend (Optional): For a smooth texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender. Leave it chunky if preferred.
  5. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and enjoy warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-60 minutes (for split peas) / 20 minutes (for fresh peas)
  • Total Time: 1 hour (or less for fresh peas)

Variations

  • Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegetable broth and skip meat.
  • With Ham or Bacon: Add cooked ham or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
  • Creamy Pea Soup: Blend with a little cream or coconut milk for richness.
  • Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a kick.
  • Herb Boost: Add fresh parsley, dill, or mint for freshness.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little broth if needed to thin it out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peas instead of split peas?

Yes! Frozen peas create a lighter, fresher-tasting soup, while split peas make a heartier, thicker version.

Do I need to soak split peas before cooking?

No, split peas cook quickly without soaking, but rinsing them before use is recommended.

How can I make my soup thicker?

Let it simmer longer, mash some peas with a spoon, or blend part of the soup.

Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes, diced potatoes add extra texture and creaminess.

What’s the best meat to add for flavor?

Ham, smoked sausage, or bacon add great depth of flavor.

How do I make the soup less thick?

Add extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until peas are soft.

Is pea soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and ingredients.

Can I add dairy to make it creamy?

Yes, stir in heavy cream, coconut milk, or a bit of sour cream for extra richness.

What can I serve with pea soup?

Crusty bread, croutons, grilled cheese, or a fresh salad make great pairings.

Conclusion

Pea soup is a wholesome and delicious meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you enjoy a classic split pea version or a vibrant green pea soup, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners and meal prep. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade soup today!

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Pea Soup Recipe

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-60 min (split peas) or 15 min (fresh peas)
  • Total Time: 1 hour (split peas) or 20 min (fresh peas)
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmered
  • Cuisine: International

Description

This classic pea soup is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Made with fresh or dried peas, onions, and herbs, it’s the perfect warm bowl for chilly days. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For Traditional Split Pea Soup:

  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) dried split peas, rinsed
  • 6 cups (1.5 L) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 cup diced ham (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

For Fresh Pea Soup (Green Pea Soup):

  • 3 cups (450 g) fresh or frozen green peas
  • 4 cups (1 L) vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried mint or basil (optional)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

Instructions

For Traditional Split Pea Soup:

1️⃣ Sauté the vegetables:

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add onions, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, cooking for 30 seconds.

2️⃣ Cook the peas:

  • Add the split peas and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3️⃣ Blend or leave chunky:

  • If you prefer a smooth soup, remove the bay leaf and blend with an immersion blender.
  • For a chunky texture, leave it as is.

4️⃣ Finish & Serve:

  • Stir in ham (if using) and let simmer for 5 minutes more.
  • Adjust seasoning, add lemon juice (if using), and serve hot!

For Fresh Green Pea Soup:

1️⃣ Sauté the aromatics:

  • Heat butter or olive oil in a pot. Add onions and garlic, and cook until soft (3-4 minutes).

2️⃣ Cook the peas:

  • Add broth and peas, and simmer for 10 minutes (only 5 minutes if using frozen peas).

3️⃣ Blend & Finish:

  • Remove from heat and blend until smooth.
  • Stir in cream or coconut milk if using.
  • Adjust seasoning and serve hot!

Notes

📌 Thicker Soup? Simmer longer or mash some of the peas with a spoon.
🥕 Extra Veggies? Add potatoes or leeks for extra texture.
🌿 Herbal Twist? Garnish with fresh parsley, mint, or dill.
🥓 Smoky Flavor? Add a ham bone or smoked paprika.
🥣 Vegan Version? Use vegetable broth and coconut cream instead of dairy.

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