Homemade Pea Soup Recipe Heartiest Comfort Bowl

Every spoonful of hearty pea soup tells a story of comfort and warmth.

Kitchen memories often start with simple ingredients that spark joy.

Green legumes blend perfectly with carefully chosen herbs and spices.

Seasonal produce makes this classic dish shine with unexpected brightness.

Simmering slowly transforms ordinary vegetables into a magical culinary experience.

Fragrant and smooth, this recipe connects you to generations of home cooking.

Let the aroma draw you into a delicious adventure of flavor and tradition.

How to Make Pea Soup Recipe from Scratch

Step 1: Sizzle and Soften Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery

Cook until vegetables become tender and release their fragrant goodness, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Awaken the Flavor Boosters

Introduce minced garlic, sprinkle dried thyme, and drop in a bay leaf. Let them dance and release their aromatic magic for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

Cascade split peas and vegetable broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat. Let the soup simmer gently, uncovered, for 45-60 minutes. Give an occasional stir to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Texture Transformation

• For silky smoothness: Remove bay leaf and blend with an immersion blender
• For rustic chunkiness: Leave as is

Step 5: Final Flavor Flourish

If desired, fold in chopped ham and let it warm through for 5 minutes. Taste and sprinkle salt and pepper as needed. For a bright finish, squeeze fresh lemon juice.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Enjoy the warm, comforting embrace of this classic dish!

Tips for Pea Soup That’s Full of Flavor

• Boost Flavor Depth: Roast vegetables before adding to the pot to intensify their natural sweetness and create a more complex taste profile.
• Create Smooth Texture: Use an immersion blender or regular blender to achieve a silky, creamy consistency without lumps.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ham with smoked turkey, crispy bacon, or plant-based alternatives like tempeh for dietary variations.
• Control Soup Consistency: Add more broth if the soup becomes too thick during cooking, or let it simmer longer for a heartier texture.
• Enhance Nutrition Boost: Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking to increase nutrient content.

How to Keep Pea Soup Recipe Fresh After Serving

• Transfer leftover pea soup to an airtight container, ensuring it cools completely before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months, maintaining best quality.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore original consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

Great Pairings with Pea Soup Recipe

• Rustic sourdough or hearty rye slices complement the soup's creamy texture, providing a delightful crunch and perfect vessel for scooping up every delicious spoonful.
• Opt for a dry Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity cuts through the soup's richness and refreshes the palate with each sip.
• Sprinkle crumbled, pan-fried bacon on top to add a smoky, salty crunch that enhances the soup's depth and introduces a delightful textural contrast.
• Prepare a light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's hearty profile and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the warm, comforting dish.

Additions and Twists for Pea Soup Recipe

• Vegetarian Pea Soup: Replace ham with smoked tofu or tempeh, adding a smoky flavor while keeping the dish meat-free. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or ham stock.
• Gluten-Free Version: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially broth and seasonings. Substitute any potential gluten-containing ingredients with safe alternatives.
• Spicy Southwest Pea Soup: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra zest.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use low-sodium vegetable broth, eliminate added salt, and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary instead of salt-heavy seasonings.

Pea Soup Recipe FAQs

• Are split peas nutritious?

Split peas are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and potassium. They’re low in fat and help stabilize blood sugar levels, making them an excellent healthy ingredient for soups.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor that mimics meat’s smokiness.

• How do I know if my split peas are cooked properly?

Split peas are done when they’re soft and starting to break down, creating a creamy texture. They should be tender but not mushy, typically taking around 45-60 minutes of simmering to reach the perfect consistency.

• What if my soup becomes too thick while cooking?

If the soup gets too thick, gradually add more broth or water while stirring. This will help maintain the desired soup consistency and prevent burning at the bottom of the pot.

Why Pea Soup Recipe Is a Year-Round Favorite

• This split pea soup recipe transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal in under an hour.
• The one-pot method means minimal cleanup and straightforward instructions that even beginner cooks can master with confidence.
• Packed with protein from split peas and optional ham, this soup delivers a nutrient-dense meal that keeps you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
• Easily adaptable for vegetarian diets by omitting ham, and perfect for batch cooking with leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Pea Soup Recipe Ingredients Explained

Main Ingredients:

Split Peas: The star of the soup, these legumes provide hearty texture and rich protein. Green or yellow varieties work well, with green offering a more traditional color.

Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and helps cook the peas. Chicken or vegetable broth are excellent choices for flavor.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that creates a flavor foundation. Fresh vegetables will provide the best taste and texture.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, robust flavor to complement the mild peas. Fresh garlic cloves are more potent than pre-minced.
• Thyme: Herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with legumes. Fresh or dried both work in this recipe.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle background flavor that enhances overall soup complexity. Remove before serving.

• Ham: Brings smoky, salty dimension to the soup. Leftover ham or ham hock works great.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acid that cuts through the soup's richness. Fresh lemon provides the best flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and building initial flavor base.

Pea Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Green pea soup brings comfort and elegance to classic comfort cuisine. Mediterranean flavors and creamy textures invite you to savor simple ingredients that create a delightful culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Legumes:

• 1 ½ cups (300 g) dried split peas, rinsed
• 3 cups (450 g) fresh or frozen green peas
• 1 cup diced ham (optional)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 6 cups (1.5 L) vegetable or chicken broth
• 4 cups (1 L) vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• ½ teaspoon dried mint or basil (optional)
• ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)

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Instructions

1. Sauté aromatic vegetables in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and tender, releasing their natural sweetness.
2. Introduce minced garlic, fragrant thyme, and a single bay leaf to the pot, allowing their essence to infuse into the vegetable base for a brief moment.
3. Pour in split peas and rich broth, creating a hearty liquid foundation for the soup.
4. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the peas to soften and break down gradually.
5. Maintain an occasional stir during the cooking process to prevent any potential sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
6. After 45-60 minutes, evaluate the soup’s consistency and texture.
7. For a velvety smooth experience, discard the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a creamy delight.
8. If a rustic, chunky texture is preferred, leave the soup in its natural state.
9. For those desiring additional protein, fold in diced ham and allow it to warm through for several minutes.
10. Perform a final seasoning adjustment, considering a bright splash of lemon juice to enhance the soup’s depth of flavor.
11. Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve immediately, offering a comforting and nourishing meal.

Notes

• Swap ham with smoked tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian protein-packed version that maintains the rich, smoky flavor profile.
• Blend a portion of the soup and then return it to the pot to create a creamy texture with some chunky vegetable pieces, offering a delightful contrast in each spoonful.
• Enhance nutrition by adding diced potatoes or butternut squash during the initial vegetable sautéing stage for extra thickness and subtle sweetness.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days, knowing the soup often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop and meld together.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 min (split peas) or 15 min (fresh peas)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg