Hey, I’m excited to share with you my favorite recipe for homemade Pea Soup through Beyond the Bayou Blog. Let me tell you, pea soup holds a special place in my heart. Back when I was a kid, my grandma used to make the most delicious pea soup on chilly winter nights. I remember the cozy aroma filling the kitchen as she stirred the pot, and the warmth it brought to our dining table after a long day of playing in the snow. she used to serve this along with more hot soup like Albondiga Soup and Taco Soup. It’s funny how certain foods can bring back such fond memories, isn’t it?
Anyway, ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that same comforting flavor in my own kitchen. And let me tell you, I’ve nailed it! Now, whenever I make pea soup, it’s like a little taste of nostalgia in every spoonful. So, grab your favorite pot and join me in cooking up a batch of this soul-warming soup. Let’s dive in.
What is Pea Soup?
Pea soup is a thick and hearty soup made from dried peas, typically green or yellow. It’s a popular dish in many cultures around the world. To make pea soup, dried peas are simmered with various ingredients such as vegetables (like onions, carrots, and celery), herbs (like thyme and bay leaves), and sometimes meat (like ham or bacon) to add flavor.
The peas soften and break down during cooking, creating a thick and creamy texture. Pea soup is known for its rich and comforting taste, often enjoyed during colder months. It’s nutritious too, as peas are a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Many people also enjoy garnishing pea soup with toppings like croutons, chopped fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
Overview: How to Make Pea Soup Recipe?
Making pea soup is a simple and satisfying process. To start, gather your ingredients: dried peas (green or yellow), onions, carrots, celery, garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and optionally, ham or bacon for extra flavor. Begin by rinsing the dried peas under cold water and then soaking them in a bowl of water for a few hours or overnight to soften them.
Once soaked, drain the peas and set them aside. In a large pot, saut� diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in a bit of oil or butter until softened. Add the soaked peas to the pot along with the broth, thyme, bay leaves, and any meat if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are soft and the soup has thickened.
Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs, then use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like croutons, chopped herbs, or a swirl of sour cream. Enjoy your homemade pea soup.
Healthy Pea Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Stirring Utensil
- Blender or immersion blender (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer (optional)
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or parsley
- 6 cups peas fresh or frozen
- � cup water
- 1/2 cup half-and-half optional
- � teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the peas: Rinse dried peas under cold water and soak them in a bowl of water for a few hours or overnight to soften.
- Prepare ingredients: Chop onions, carrots, celery, and any other vegetables. If using meat, dice it into small pieces.
- Saute aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, saut� onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in oil or butter until softened.
- Add peas and liquid: Drain the soaked peas and add them to the pot. Pour in vegetable or chicken broth (or water), enough to cover the peas by about an inch.
- Season and simmer: Add herbs like thyme and bay leaves, along with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add diced meat like ham or bacon for flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are soft and the soup has thickened.
- Blend (optional): Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the soup until smooth, if desired.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with toppings like croutons, chopped herbs, or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
Nutrition
Time for the Tips!
- Blending: Blending the soup after cooking is optional but can result in a smoother texture. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
- Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend only a portion of the soup or mash some of the peas with a spoon to thicken it.
- Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Be cautious with salt if using broth, as it may already contain salt.
- Storage: Pea soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
- Garnishes: Get creative with toppings! Croutons, chopped fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a swirl of yogurt or sour cream can add extra flavor and texture to your soup.
Wanna Add More Toppings?
You can enhance pea soup by adding various vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, leeks, or spinach. Chopping these vegetables into small pieces and adding them during the cooking process can elevate the flavor and nutritional profile of the soup. Vegetables not only contribute to the overall taste but also increase the fiber, vitamins, and minerals content, making the soup even more nutritious. This versatility allows you to customize the soup to your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to add extra texture, color, or nutrients, incorporating additional vegetables is a simple way to make your pea soup more wholesome and satisfying.
What to Serve With Pea Soup Recipe?
What to do with Leftover?
- Freeze for Later: Portion the leftover pea soup into airtight containers and freeze it for future meals. It can be reheated whenever you need a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Sauce Base: Use the leftover pea soup as a flavorful base for sauces and gravies. Simply simmer it down until thickened, then serve it over cooked meats, poultry, or vegetables for a deliciously seasoned dish.
- Stew or Casserole: Turn the leftover pea soup into a filling stew or casserole by adding chunks of cooked meat, poultry, or seafood, along with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas. Top with mashed potatoes or pastry crust for a comforting twist.
- Dip or Spread: Puree the leftover pea soup until smooth and use it as a dip or spread for crackers, breadsticks, or crudites. It makes a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional dips.
- Grain Bowl: Serve the leftover pea soup over cooked grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous for a satisfying grain bowl. Top with fresh herbs, chopped nuts, or grated cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Pasta Sauce: Thin out the leftover pea soup with a bit of broth or cream and toss it with cooked pasta for a quick and easy pasta dish. Add cooked vegetables, crispy bacon, or shredded chicken for additional toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is pea soup is healthy?
A: Pea soup is nutritious as peas are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a healthy and filling option, especially when made with wholesome ingredients and minimal added fats or sugars. However, the overall healthiness may depend on the specific recipe and ingredients used.
Q: Is pea soup vegetarian/vegan?
A: Pea soup can be made vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting any meat or dairy-based ingredients. It’s a nutritious and satisfying option for those following a plant-based diet.
Q: Can I use fresh peas instead of dried peas to make pea soup?
A: While fresh peas can be used, they have a milder flavor compared to dried peas. Dried peas provide a richer and more intense pea flavor, which is traditional in pea soup. If using fresh peas, adjust the cooking time accordingly as they will cook faster.