Pea soup is a timeless comfort food, loved for its rich texture and earthy flavor. This best pea soup recipe in the world combines split peas, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of spices to create a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Ready in about an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s a great way to use pantry staples and stretch your budget. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it solo, this soup will warm your heart and home. Let’s dive into how to make it, along with answers to all your pea soup questions!
How to Make the Best Pea Soup?
Creating the ultimate pea soup is easier than you think. Follow these steps for a velvety, flavorful bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried split green peas (rinsed and sorted)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional for extra creaminess)
- 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon juice (optional, for a bright finish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add peas and broth: Stir in split peas, potato (if using), broth, bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and breaking apart. If the soup thickens too much, add more broth or water.
- Blend for creaminess: Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend partially for a creamy yet chunky texture (or blend fully for smooth soup). Alternatively, blend half in a standard blender and return to the pot.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Garnish with parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.
What Peas Are Best for Split Pea Soup?
For the best pea soup, dried split green peas are the go-to choice. They cook down into a creamy texture without needing to soak, making them ideal for hearty soups. Yellow split peas are a good alternative, offering a slightly sweeter, nuttier flavor but a similar consistency. Avoid using fresh or frozen peas, as they don’t break down the same way and result in a thinner soup. Always rinse and sort dried peas to remove any debris before cooking.
Can You Make Pea Soup Without Ham?
Absolutely! This recipe is ham-free and uses vegetable broth for a vegetarian or vegan option. The smoky paprika and aromatic vegetables provide plenty of flavor without meat. If you want a meaty taste, you can add a splash of liquid smoke or swap in smoked salt. For non-vegetarian versions, you can include ham hock, bacon, or diced ham, but this recipe proves you don’t need them for a delicious result.
Why Is My Pea Soup Too Thick?
Pea soup can become too thick if the peas absorb too much liquid or if you use less broth than neededAscertain whether this is the case by checking the context of the recipe instructions. If it’s too thick, thin it out by gradually adding more broth or water during cooking until you reach your desired consistency. To prevent this, ensure you start with enough liquid (about 8 cups for 1 lb of peas) and stir occasionally to avoid sticking. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add extra liquid toward the end of cooking.
How Long Does Pea Soup Last in the Fridge?
Homemade pea soup lasts 4-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container at or below 40°F (4°C). To ensure freshness, cool the soup to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking before refrigerating. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat to avoid repeated temperature changes, which can affect quality.
Can You Freeze Homemade Pea Soup?
Yes, pea soup freezes beautifully! Cool the soup completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency after freezing.
What Spices Go in Pea Soup?
Spices elevate pea soup’s flavor profile. This recipe uses:
- Thyme: Adds earthy, herbal notes.
- Bay leaf: Infuses a subtle, savory depth.
- Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky undertone (optional).
- Black pepper: Enhances overall warmth.
For variations, try cumin for a warm, nutty flavor, rosemary for a piney aroma, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Keep the spice blend simple to let the peas shine.
How to Make Creamy Pea Soup Without Cream?
This recipe achieves creaminess without cream by blending the cooked peas and vegetables, which naturally thickens the soup. Adding a diced potato enhances the velvety texture, as its starch breaks down during cooking. For extra richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of olive oil or butter (or vegan butter) at the end. Blending partially or fully controls the creaminess level—blend less for a chunkier soup or more for a silky finish.
Is Pea Soup Healthy?
Pea soup is a nutritional powerhouse! Split peas are rich in protein (about 8g per cup), fiber (8g per cup), and essential nutrients like iron, folate, and manganese. This recipe is low-fat, gluten-free, and can be vegan, making it suitable for various diets. A single serving (about 1.5 cups) provides:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 15g
The high fiber aids digestion, while the protein keeps you full. Watch sodium levels if using store-bought broth, and opt for low-sodium versions if needed.
Can You Make Pea Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, pea soup is perfect for a slow cooker! Sauté the vegetables and garlic in a skillet first for deeper flavor, then transfer to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until peas are soft. Remove the bay leaf, blend to your desired consistency, and season to taste. The slow cooker method is hands-off and great for busy days.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 15g
Conclusion
This best pea soup recipe in the world is a must-try for anyone craving a hearty, healthy, and flavorful meal. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a comforting bowl of creamy goodness that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today, and let us know how it turns out!
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Best Pea Soup Recipe in the World
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried split green peas rinsed and sorted
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium potato peeled and diced (optional)
- 8 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp smoked paprika optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon juice optional, for brightness
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add peas and broth: Stir in split peas, potato (if using), broth, bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender. Add more broth or water if too thick.
- Blend: Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to blend partially for a creamy-chunky texture, or blend fully for smooth soup.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate for 4-5 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Substitutions: Use yellow split peas for a sweeter flavor or chicken broth for non-vegetarian.
- Smoky Flavor: Add liquid smoke or smoked salt for a ham-like taste.
- Adjust Thickness: Thin with extra broth or water if needed during reheating.
