If you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort, this Pea Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. With its velvety texture, cozy flavors, and nourishing ingredients, this classic soup is everything I love about homemade cooking all simmered together in one pot. Whether you keep it hearty and rustic or blend it silky smooth, you’ll be amazed at how a few pantry staples transform into such a soul-warming meal. Trust me, after one spoonful, you’ll want to add this to your regular soup rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pea Soup Recipe is wonderfully simple, yet each ingredient shines in its own way. You’ll find that every item not only enhances flavor, but also lends that unmistakable color and thick, creamy texture we all crave in a comforting bowl of soup.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and is the base for sautéing vegetables.
- Onion: Lends an aromatic sweetness that deepens the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic: Brings balanced pungency and a hint of warmth to every bite.
- Dried green split peas: The star ingredient, giving the soup its creamy body and signature earthy taste.
- Carrot: Adds subtle sweetness and lovely golden color.
- Celery: Provides a gentle herbal note and extra crunch if left chunky.
- Vegetable broth or chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that pulls everything together (choose veg broth for a vegan version).
- Bay leaf: Infuses the soup with a gentle savory aroma as it simmers.
- Dried thyme: Adds a cozy, woodsy note that pairs perfectly with peas.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors at the end.
- Optional: diced ham or smoked sausage: Stir in during the last 10 minutes for a smoky, meaty punch (works great for non-vegans).
How to Make Pea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Throw in your chopped onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. This gentle sauté creates a sweeter, rounder base flavor for the whole Pea Soup Recipe.
Step 2: Add Carrot, Celery, and Garlic
Drop the diced carrot and celery into the pot, along with the minced garlic. Cook everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This extra step lets the vegetables soften and release even more of their natural sweetness, infusing the soup with flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Combine Peas, Broth, Spices
Now add the rinsed split peas, your choice of broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Stir everything well, then bring to a gentle boil. As soon as it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and let the magic happen: simmer the Pea Soup Recipe on low, uncovered, for 60 to 70 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the peas from sticking.
Step 4: Season and Blend
Once the peas are meltingly tender and the soup is thickened, fish out the bay leaf. Taste and season with salt and black pepper. For a classic, chunky texture, you’re all set! Want a smoother soup? Puree part or all of it with an immersion blender until it’s as creamy as you like. If you’re tossing in diced ham or sausage, stir it in now and let it warm through for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy the warmth. Don’t forget some crusty bread or crackers for dunking—the savory, earthy flavors are even better with a bit of something on the side.
How to Serve Pea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
This soup truly shines with a handful of thoughtful garnishes. Try a swirl of olive oil, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of freshness. If you love crunch, a scatter of homemade croutons or crispy fried onions can take your bowl to new heights.
Side Dishes
A Pea Soup Recipe is wonderfully filling, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal from simple to memorable. Rustic sourdough bread, a warm baguette, or a handful of classic saltine crackers all make excellent companions. For a lighter touch, serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling the soup into small glasses or mugs as an appetizer for a cozy dinner party, or top each bowl with diced ham and a drizzle of smoked paprika oil for a gourmet touch. For kids or the kid-at-heart, serve with grilled cheese sticks on the side for dunking—comfort food perfection!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pea Soup Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The soup will thicken as it sits—simply stir in a splash of water or broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Let the soup cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s especially thick, add a bit more broth or water until silky and spoonable. Avoid boiling, as this can alter the delicate flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this Pea Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients (except ham or sausage) in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the peas break down. Stir in the meat, if using, for the last 30 minutes, then season and serve.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the Pea Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free broth and serve with gluten-free bread or crackers.
How can I make the soup vegan?
Just use vegetable broth and skip the optional ham or sausage. The soup stays hearty and satisfying on its own, so you won’t feel like you’re missing a thing!
Can I use yellow split peas instead?
Definitely! Yellow split peas have a slightly milder flavor and give the soup a golden hue, but the cooking method and seasoning stay the same.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No worries—just ladle part of the soup into a regular blender, puree until smooth, then stir it back into the pot for the perfect texture. Always let hot soup cool a bit before blending to avoid splatters.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Pea Soup Recipe—it’s one of those classic dishes that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll create something that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let this recipe become a staple in your kitchen, and share the coziness with the people you love!
Print
Pea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty and healthy Pea Soup Recipe is a comforting classic that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Loaded with green split peas, vegetables, and savory broth, this vegan soup is easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: diced ham or smoked sausage for extra flavor
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, carrot, and celery, and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Add the split peas, broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60–70 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are soft and the soup is thickened.
- Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender. If using ham or sausage, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to warm through.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- Leftovers thicken in the fridge—just add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
- You can also make this soup in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
