Nothing says cozy comfort quite like a steaming bowl of homemade Pea Soup Recipe. This soul-warming classic is as nourishing as it is flavorful, brimming with sweet green peas, aromatic vegetables, and kitchen staples. Whether you’re craving a hearty vegetarian meal or searching for an easy, make-ahead dish for busy weeknights, this Pea Soup Recipe checks every box—simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and loads of feel-good flavor in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of pantry essentials can create such a vibrant and wholesome pot of soup. Every ingredient here plays a starring role, from the split peas that give body and creaminess, to the aromatic herbs and vegetables that build a comforting, savory depth.
- Olive oil: Adds richness to the base and helps soften the aromatics for a silky soup texture.
- Onion: Brings mild sweetness and extra savoriness as it cooks down.
- Garlic: A little goes a long way to deepen the flavor profile and bring out earthiness.
- Dried split green peas: The heart of this Pea Soup Recipe, they break down as they cook to thicken the soup.
- Carrot: Provides a natural sweetness and a pop of color in every bowl.
- Celery: Adds aromatic undertones and a classic backbone to the soup base.
- Vegetable broth: Infuses the soup with layers of savory depth while keeping it vegetarian.
- Bay leaf: Imparts an herbal note and classic old-world aroma.
- Dried thyme: Lends a subtle earthiness that complements the green peas beautifully.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balances the overall flavors.
- Salt: Brings all the other flavors to life—season to taste!
- Optional: diced ham or smoked paprika: Stir in diced ham for a meaty, smoky twist, or sprinkle smoked paprika for depth without meat.
How to Make Pea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent—about four minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook for just a minute more. This gentle sauté builds the savory, aromatic foundation that makes every Pea Soup Recipe taste like a cozy hug.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Now it’s time to add the real heart of the soup! Pour in the rinsed split green peas, chopped carrot, celery, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Give everything a big stir to combine. Turn up the heat, bringing the pot to a lively boil. These simple ingredients will soon transform into a rich, hearty Pea Soup Recipe you’ll want to make on repeat.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 60 minutes. Stir occasionally to check on the peas and make sure nothing is sticking. The peas should become soft and begin to break down, thickening the soup as it cooks. If it gets too thick or you want a lighter texture, don’t hesitate to add a splash more broth or water.
Step 4: Final Touches
When your peas are luxuriously tender and the soup is thick, fish out the bay leaf and discard it. This is your chance for personalization: for a rustic, chunky texture, leave the soup as is; for a smoother finish, use an immersion blender and puree the soup partially or fully. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. If you love a smoky note, stir in a little smoked paprika or top with diced ham for classic comfort.
How to Serve Pea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Pea Soup Recipe adds both visual flair and a pop of flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill brings brightness, while a dusting of smoked paprika lends color and subtle heat. For a more classic touch, scatter diced ham or crispy croutons over each bowl just before serving.
Side Dishes
This soup shines alongside hearty bread—think garlic toast, crusty sourdough, or warm whole grain rolls that are perfect for dipping. For a lighter pairing, try a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted root vegetables for extra earthiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your soup into an eye-catching main course by serving it in bread bowls (fun for family dinners) or ladling it into small mugs as an elegant starter for a dinner party. For a festive touch, swirl in a dollop of vegan yogurt or sour cream and finish with microgreens or thin strips of roasted red pepper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pea Soup Recipe is even better the next day! Cool any leftovers quickly and transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy for up to four days—the flavors will deepen and become even more savory as they meld.
Freezing
If you want to save some for another day, you’re in luck—this soup freezes beautifully. Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your Pea Soup Recipe again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The soup tends to thicken as it cools, so just add a splash of water or broth and stir until it returns to your favorite consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen peas instead of dried split peas?
While fresh or frozen peas have their charm, for this Pea Soup Recipe to achieve its signature creamy texture, dried split peas are the way to go. They break down during simmering, naturally thickening the soup in a way that fresh or frozen peas simply can’t.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! As written, this Pea Soup Recipe is both vegan and gluten-free. Just make sure to use vegetable broth and skip the optional diced ham unless you want to add it for a non-vegan twist.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare your Pea Soup Recipe in a slow cooker for extra convenience. Sauté the onion and garlic first for best flavor, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the peas are tender.
How do I prevent the soup from getting too thick?
Pea soup thickens naturally as it simmers and cools. If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more broth or water during cooking or reheating, a little at a time, until it’s just the right texture for you.
What protein options can I add?
For extra heartiness, stir in diced cooked ham, crumbled bacon, or even cubes of smoked tofu. Any of these additions elevate your Pea Soup Recipe from a side to a satisfying main dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a meal that’s as easy as it is comforting, this Pea Soup Recipe is sure to earn a spot in your kitchen rotation. Every bowl bursts with flavor, and it only gets better with time. Give it a try—and don’t forget to customize it with your favorite garnishes and mix-ins!
Print
Pea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with this comforting Pea Soup Recipe, a hearty and nutritious dish perfect for any day. Made with wholesome ingredients like split peas, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, this vegetarian and gluten-free soup is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups dried split green peas (rinsed)
- 1 large carrot (chopped)
- 1 celery stalk (chopped)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Optional:
- diced ham or smoked paprika for added flavor
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ingredients: Add the split peas, carrot, celery, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, pepper, and salt.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 60 minutes until the peas are soft and the soup thickens.
- Blend: For a smoother texture, partially or fully puree the soup with an immersion blender.
- Serve: Garnish with diced ham or smoked paprika if desired, and enjoy hot.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor without meat, add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- This soup thickens as it cools—add water when reheating to reach desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
