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.
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
- ½ cup water
- 1/2 cup half-and-half optional
- ½ 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, sauté 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.
What to Serve With Pea Soup Recipe?
