Country Style Pea Soup
A hearty, savory pea soup with smoky ham hocks and fresh vegetables, perfect for cozy gatherings and comforting meals, suitable for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for one hour or until peas are soft.
- Remove the ham hocks from the pot.
- Puree the pea mixture through a sieve or in a blender for a few minutes.
- Return the pureed soup to the stove and cook over low heat until heated through.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or thyme to the soup while it simmers. If you don’t have ham hocks, smoked sausage or diced bacon can serve as excellent substitutes. Adjust the consistency by varying the amount of water based on your preference for thicker or thinner soup. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the ham.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pea soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or croutons for added texture. It pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Ham, Cheese And Asparagus Bake for a comforting spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Style Pea Soup contains roughly 451 calories, with 8g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 913mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned split peas instead of dried?
Canned split peas are already cooked, so you would need to adjust the cooking time significantly. Instead of boiling for an hour, you could simply heat the soup on the stove and add the canned peas towards the end, allowing them to heat through.
How do I achieve a smoother texture?
To achieve a smoother texture, puree the soup with a blender or use an immersion blender after cooking. You can blend it to your desired consistency, whether you prefer it completely smooth or with some texture remaining. If you find it too thick after blending, you can add more water or broth to thin it out.
What can I serve with pea soup?
Pea soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a sandwich. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of Bacon Wrapped Prunes for a sweet contrast, or serve it as a starter before a hearty main dish like Hobo'S Dinner.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).