Ultimate Pea Soup: Creamy, Delicious and Healthy

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This hearty pea soup recipe creates a nutritious, comforting meal perfect for any season. Made with simple ingredients, this creamy soup delivers amazing flavor and incredible health benefits in every bowl

Why Homemade Pea Soup Wins

Homemade pea soup costs significantly less than the restaurant of canned versions while delivering superior nutrition and flavor. You control the sodium content and can customize ingredients to your family’s preferences.

The cooking process fills your home with incredible aromas and creates a sense of accomplishment. There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into nourishing comfort food.

 

 

Ingredients You’ll Need for this Pea Soup Recipe

Ingredients

Base Vegetables

• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh or frozen peas (or 2 cups dried split peas)
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

 

Let’s start cooking !

 

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Wash and chop all vegetables into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and better texture in your pea soup. Set aside minced garlic separately as it cooks faster.

Step 2: Saute the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Add carrots and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Peas and Liquid

Add peas, vegetable broth, water, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Bring mixture to a boiling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer covered for 25-30 minutes if using fresh/frozen peas, or 45-60 minutes for dried split peas.

Step 4: Check if Peas are ready

Peas are ready when they easily mash with a fork. For split pea soup, they should be completely broken down and creamy. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Blend to Desired Texture

For smooth pea soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot until completely smooth. For chunky texture: Mash half the peas with a potato masher, leaving some whole pieces. For ultra-smooth: Transfer to a regular blender in batches (careful with hot liquids).

Step 6: Season and Finish

Remove bay leaves and stir in salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add fresh parsley and any optional ingredients like cream or ham. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm through.

 

Nutritional Value ( Per Serving)

• calories: 245 kcal
• Protein: 16 g
• Carbs: 42 g
• Fiber: 16 g
• Fat: 3 g
• Vitamin A: 184 % DV
• Vitamin C: 40 % DV
• Iron: 15 % DV

Serving Suggestions

Simple Garnishes

• Fresh herb sprigs (parsley, dill, or chives)
• Drizzle of good olive oil
• Dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream
• Homemade croutons for crunch

Perfect Pairings

• Crusty bread or toasted garlic bread
• Grilled cheese sandwiches,
• Green salad.

The soup works as either a starter or main course depending on portion size.

Elegant Presentation

Serve in warmed bowls with a swirl of cream and fresh herbs on top. This transforms simple pea soup into restaurant-quality presentation.

 

Pea Soup Variation

Classic Split Pea Soup with Ham

Use 2 cups dried split peas and add 1 ham bone or 1 cup diced ham during step 3. The smokey flavor creates the most traditional pea soup. Remove ham bone before serving and shred any meat back into the soup.

Creamy Green Pea Soup

Use fresh or frozen green peas for the brightest color and sweetest flavor. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream during the final step. This version is elegant enough for dinner parties.

Spicy Pea Soup

Add 1 diced jalapeno with the aromatics and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Finish with fresh cilantro instead of parsley. This variation adds warming heat perfect for cold days.

Mint and Pea Soup

Add 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves during blending for a refreshing twist. This lighter version works beautifully as a spring or summer soup.

Tips for Perfect Pea Soup

Choosing Your Peas

Fresh peas offer the best flavor but are seasonal. Frozen peas work year-round and maintain excellent taste and nutrition. Dried split peas create the thickest, most traditional soup but require longer cooking time.

Achieving the Right Consistency

Pea soup should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. If too thick, add warm broth gradually. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce liquid or blend more of the peas for natural thickening.

Flavor Enhancement

• Salt early in cooking helps vegetables release moisture
• Lemon juice brightens the earthy pea flavor
• Fresh herbs added at the end provide the best aroma
• A Parmesan rind simmered with the soup adds depth

 

 

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Cool completely before refrigerating in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Pea soup naturally thickens when cold – this is normal and expected.

Freezer Storage

Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Leave 1-inch headspace for expansion. Label with contents and date for easy identification.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat gently on stove top over low heat, stirring frequently. Add small amounts of broth or water to achieve desired consistency. Microwave individual portions on 50% power, stirring every minute.

Health Benefits of Pea Soup 

High-Quality Plant Protein

One serving provides 16 grams of complete protein, making pea soup excellent for vegetarians and vegans. The protein helps maintain muscle mass and keeps you feeling full longer.

Fiber Powerhouse

With 16 grams of fiber per serving, this soup supports healthy digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. The high fiber content also promotes heart health and aids weight management.

Vitamin and Mineral Rich

Peas provide essential vitamins A, C, and K, plus important minerals like iron and folate. These nutrients support immune function, bone health, and energy production.

Antioxidant Protection

Green peas contain powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

 

Final Tips 

Start with quality ingredients for the best results. Use low-sodium broth so you can control salt levels. Don’t rush the cooking process – slow simmering develops the best flavors.

Taste and adjust seasonings at the end. Every batch is slightly different, so trust your palate. Most importantly, enjoy the process of creating this nourishing, comforting meal.

This pea soup recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, you’ll love the satisfying flavors and incredible nutrition in every bowl.