Description
This recipe guide features two delightful pea soup variations: a hearty Traditional Split Pea Soup perfect for chilly days and a fresh, vibrant Green Pea Soup ideal for spring. Both are easy to prepare on the stovetop, offering versatile options for any season, including vegetarian and gluten-free adaptations.
Ingredients
Scale
Traditional Split Pea Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced cooked ham
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh Green Pea Soup (Spring Variation)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups shelled fresh or frozen green peas
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Traditional Split Pea Soup: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and the bay leaf to release flavors. Add rinsed split peas, broth, and the smoked ham hock or diced cooked ham. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and the soup thickens. Remove the bay leaf and ham hock; shred any meat and return it to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.
- Prepare Fresh Green Pea Soup: In a saucepan, warm butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the fresh or frozen green peas and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the peas are tender. Stir in fresh mint leaves if using, then remove from heat. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender to puree until smooth. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk to add richness, then season with salt and black pepper. Serve the soup warm or chilled as a refreshing option.
Notes
- Traditional split pea soup is rich and perfect for cold weather, providing a comforting and filling meal.
- Fresh green pea soup is lighter and excellent for spring, and can be served cold as a refreshing appetizer.
- To make either version vegetarian or vegan, omit the ham and use vegetable broth and plant-based milk alternatives like coconut milk.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste preferences, especially salt and pepper.
- Fresh pea soup can be garnished with additional mint leaves or a drizzle of cream for presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Traditional: 1 hour 15 minutes | Fresh: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, European
