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Classic Pea Soup
This classic pea soup is a comforting and hearty dish that warms the soul. Made with tender green peas, savory ham, and a medley of fresh vegetables, it embodies nostalgia in a bowl. Its vibrant green color and rich flavor make it the perfect choice for chilly days, reminiscent of family dinners and cozy gatherings. A touch of thyme and a hint of garlic elevate the taste, making this a timeless recipe that you’ll return to again and again. Historically, pea soup dates back to ancient times, often enjoyed by the working class due to its affordable ingredients and nourishing qualities. Today, it remains a beloved staple in many homes.
Ingredients
- Dried green peas
- 1 cup
- Water
- 4 cups (for cooking)
- Vegetable broth
- 4 cups
- Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons
- Salt
- 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Thyme
- 1 teaspoon (dried) or 1 tablespoon (fresh)
- Bay leaf
- 1
- Garlic
- 3 cloves, minced
- Celery
- 2 stalks, diced
- Carrots
- 2, diced
- Onion
- 1, chopped
- Ham
- 1 cup, diced
- Fresh parsley
- for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the dried green peas thoroughly and soak them in water overnight. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the soaked green peas, diced ham, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and an additional 4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the peas are soft and tender.
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree about half of the soup until smooth. This will create a creamy texture while retaining some chunky bits for heartiness.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir well to combine.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider using smoked ham or a ham hock for a deeper, smoky taste.
- This soup can be made vegetarian by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth only.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as potatoes or leeks for a unique twist.
Dietary Information
Servings: 6 Dish Type: Soup Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Calories: 250 Fat: 7g Carbs: 35g Protein: 15g Sodium: 600mg Sugar: 3g
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