Pea soup is one of those classic comfort foods that always seem to hit the spot, no matter the season. It’s a dish that’s hearty, nourishing, and packed with flavors that deepen over time, making it even better as leftovers. The beauty of pea soup lies in its simplicity-just a few basic ingredients can transform into something truly satisfying. Whether you’ve grown up eating it, or it’s your first time giving it a go, there’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of homemade pea soup.
What makes pea soup stand out is its versatility. It can be served chunky or smooth, hearty or light, and it can be easily adjusted to suit a variety of dietary needs. The star of the show? The humble pea-small but mighty. These little green gems bring a natural sweetness and depth to the soup, complemented perfectly by the richness of the broth and the savory elements you add to it. It’s a meal that feels both familiar and special every time.
So, if you’re craving something filling and flavorful, let’s dive into a recipe that’s sure to warm you up and keep you coming back for more.
Pea Soup Recipe
This recipe is the ultimate in cozy, easy-to-make meals. It uses dried split peas, which gives the soup a smooth, velvety texture, and the ingredients are straightforward, with plenty of room for personal adjustments. The combination of carrots, onions, and celery (the classic mirepoix) infuses the soup with earthy flavors, while the smoky ham hock adds a depth of flavor you just can’t beat. For a vegetarian twist, you can easily swap the ham for a plant-based option, or even go without any meat at all.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups dried split peas (green or yellow, your choice)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 ham hock (or smoked turkey leg for a different flavor, or skip for a vegetarian version)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (you can also use water if you prefer a lighter broth)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, but adds a nice brightness to the soup)
Cooking Instructions
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Prep The Vegetables
Start by washing the dried split peas under cold water. Set them aside to drain. Dice the onion, chop the carrots, and slice the celery into small pieces. This will help the vegetables cook evenly and fit into the soup seamlessly.
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Sauté The Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, just enough to release that delicious garlicky fragrance.
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Add The Split Peas
Stir in the dried split peas, letting them mix in with the sautéed veggies. This step allows the peas to soak in the flavors of the aromatics before adding the liquid.
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Simmer The Soup
Pour in the broth (or water) and add the ham hock (or any meat option you’re using). Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to ensure the peas don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
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Finishing Touches
Once the peas are tender, remove the ham hock (if used) and shred the meat off the bone. Stir the shredded meat back into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary-add a little more salt, pepper, or thyme if desired. If you want a slightly tangy finish, squeeze in some lemon juice.
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Serve And Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. It pairs wonderfully with some crusty bread or a light salad.
Ingredient Insights
The beauty of pea soup lies not just in how easy it is to make, but also in the ingredients that make it so flavorful and nourishing.
- Dried Split Peas: These little legumes are a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Their natural sweetness and ability to break down during cooking create the perfect base for a smooth, velvety soup. They also absorb the flavors of whatever ingredients you add, making them incredibly versatile.
- Ham Hock: This cut of meat is rich and flavorful, adding that deep, smoky taste to the soup. It’s the key to getting that savory umami hit that makes pea soup so satisfying. If you’re going vegetarian, you can use smoked paprika and a handful of mushrooms to mimic that smoky essence.
- Carrots, Celery, and Onion: These three are the foundation of most savory soups and stews, known as mirepoix. They provide a mild sweetness and aromatic complexity that elevate the pea soup from basic to extraordinary.
- Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs infuse the broth with a subtle earthiness that complements the peas and vegetables. While thyme brings a slightly lemony, herby taste, bay leaves offer a rich, savory aroma that ties everything together.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Rush the Simmering Process: The peas need time to break down and release their starches, so it’s crucial not to rush the cooking process. The longer you let the soup simmer, the richer and more flavorful it will become. You can even let it simmer for up to 3 hours if you’ve got the time-just make sure to check the water level and add more liquid if necessary.
- Blend the Soup for a Creamier Texture: If you prefer a smooth pea soup, use an immersion blender to puree it directly in the pot once it’s finished cooking. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. This will create a creamy texture without needing cream or milk.
- Flavor Building: If you have a bit more time, try sautéing the ham hock and aromatics (onions, garlic, carrots, celery) in a little butter before adding the rest of the ingredients. This deepens the flavors and gives the soup a richer base.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your soup is too thick for your liking, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. The peas will continue to absorb liquid as they sit, so it’s best to add liquid towards the end of cooking if needed.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Leave out the ham hock, and use vegetable broth as the base. You can add a couple of tablespoons of nutritional yeast to introduce a savory, cheesy flavor. For that smoky depth, smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke will do wonders.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will give the soup a nice kick that balances well with the sweetness of the peas.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley. Fresh herbs should be added towards the end of cooking to maintain their flavor.
- Add Potatoes: Some recipes incorporate potatoes for extra creaminess. Simply dice a couple of medium potatoes and add them when you add the split peas.
- Ham vs. Bacon: If you don’t have a ham hock, bacon or smoked sausage also works beautifully. Bacon adds a crispy texture, while smoked sausage brings a different kind of smokiness and bite.
Final Words
Pea soup is the type of dish that can be adapted to nearly any palate or dietary preference. It’s simple, nourishing, and satisfying, making it the perfect meal for a cozy evening or a comforting lunch. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile enough to change based on what you have in your pantry, but it’s consistently delicious no matter the variation. Whether you’re enjoying it as is or experimenting with your own twists, pea soup will always feel like a warm hug in a bowl.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For A Basic Pea Soup Recipe?
A basic pea soup recipe typically requires dried split peas, water or vegetable broth, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and seasoning such as thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. You may also want to add a protein such as ham or bacon for additional flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Peas Instead Of Dried Peas For Pea Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen peas instead of dried split peas. However, the cooking time will be much shorter, and the texture may be slightly different. Frozen peas don’t need to be soaked and will cook in just a few minutes.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Pea Soup?
If you’re using dried split peas, it generally takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to cook pea soup, depending on the heat level and the type of peas used. If you’re using frozen peas, the cooking time can be reduced to about 20 to 30 minutes.
Should I Soak Dried Split Peas Before Cooking Them For Pea Soup?
Soaking dried split peas is not necessary, but it can reduce the cooking time and improve digestion. If you prefer, you can skip soaking, but make sure to cook them for a longer period to achieve a creamy consistency.
Can I Make Pea Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, pea soup can be made in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients, including soaked or unsoaked dried split peas, broth, vegetables, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the peas are tender.
How Do I Make Pea Soup Thicker?
To make pea soup thicker, you can use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup. Alternatively, you can add more split peas, or let the soup simmer uncovered to allow excess liquid to evaporate, concentrating the flavor.
Can I Make Pea Soup Vegan?
Yes, pea soup can easily be made vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken or ham stock and omitting any meat products. Adding extra vegetables like leeks, zucchini, or potatoes can enhance the flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Pea Soup?
Leftover pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze pea soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I Add Meat To Pea Soup?
Yes, adding meat such as ham, bacon, or sausage can give the soup a rich, smoky flavor. If using ham, you can add the bone to the soup for extra depth of flavor. The meat can be added at the beginning of cooking and simmered with the peas.
Is Pea Soup Good For You?
Pea soup is a healthy option as it is rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Split peas are low in fat and provide a good source of iron, folate, and potassium. It can also be a heart-healthy choice when made with vegetable broth and minimal added fat.