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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatic vegetables in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and tender, releasing their natural sweetness.
- 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.
- Pour in split peas and rich broth, creating a hearty liquid foundation for the soup.
- Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the peas to soften and break down gradually.
- Maintain an occasional stir during the cooking process to prevent any potential sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- After 45-60 minutes, evaluate the soup’s consistency and texture.
- For a velvety smooth experience, discard the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a creamy delight.
- If a rustic, chunky texture is preferred, leave the soup in its natural state.
- For those desiring additional protein, fold in diced ham and allow it to warm through for several minutes.
- Perform a final seasoning adjustment, considering a bright splash of lemon juice to enhance the soup’s depth of flavor.
- 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