Description
A hearty and comforting pea soup recipe with two variations: the classic split pea version with ham and broth, or a lighter, fresh green pea soup with a touch of creaminess. Both versions are packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy meal!
Ingredients
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:
a. In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
b. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened.
c. Add the dried split peas, broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
d. Cook for about 1 hour, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally.
e. If using, stir in the diced ham and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
f. Remove the bay leaf, add lemon juice if desired, and adjust seasoning to taste. - For Fresh Pea Soup (Green Pea Soup):
a. In a medium pot, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat.
b. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
c. Add the peas, broth, salt, pepper, and optional mint or basil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes until the peas are tender.
d. If using, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy texture.
e. Blend the soup using an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender until smooth (optional for a creamy version).
f. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Notes
- For the split pea version, adding ham gives it a more robust flavor, but you can leave it out for a vegetarian version.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend part of the split pea soup with an immersion blender.
- Fresh peas work great in the green pea version, but frozen peas can be used as well.
- For a lighter version, skip the cream or coconut milk in the green pea soup.
- The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (for split pea soup) 20 minutes (for green pea soup)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American