Teresa's Recipes
Hearty Pea Soup
This comforting and hearty pea soup is a delightful blend of tender green peas, rich ham, and aromatic herbs. Originating in Europe, pea soup has been a staple since ancient times, cherished for its nourishing qualities and simplicity. This version is enhanced with a medley of fresh vegetables and simmered to perfection, creating a velvety texture that's perfect for cozy evenings. Serve it with crusty bread for a fulfilling meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried) Fresh thyme
- 1 Bay leaf
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 stalks, diced Celery
- 1 large, diced Carrot
- 1 medium, diced Onion
- 1 cup, diced (smoked or leftover ham works well) Ham
- 4 cups (fresh or frozen) Green peas
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced ham and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the green peas, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
- Return the soup to the pot and heat over low heat until warmed through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh thyme, if desired.
Tips
- For added depth, use homemade chicken broth.
- Feel free to substitute the ham with bacon or turkey for a different flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.