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.