Friendship Pea Soup
A hearty, flavorful pea soup with ham and smoked sausage, perfect for comforting family meals or a cozy gathering on chilly days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 8 cups of water and the bag of peas to a boil and cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 1 hour.
- Add diced ham, diced onion, pepper, marjoram, smoked sausage, salt, and parsley to the mixture.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Add chopped celery, chopped carrots, and diced potatoes to the soup.
- Cover and cook for an additional 45 minutes.
- Thicken the soup with flour if desired and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced tomatoes or using chicken broth instead of water for added flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ham and sausage and substitute with vegetable broth and additional vegetables. Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves can enhance the taste. Be cautious with salt as the smoked sausage and ham are already salty.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Friendship Pea Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad, such as Ann'S Broccoli Salad, for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, consider serving it alongside a slice of Green And Gold Casserole to complement the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a bit of water or broth if the soup thickens too much. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Friendship Pea Soup contains roughly 1871 calories, with 37g protein, 274g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (210% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (183% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1684mg per serving (73% 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 dried peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use dried peas, but they will require soaking overnight and a longer cooking time. After soaking, rinse them and add them to the boiling water, cooking until tender, which may take 1 to 2 hours depending on the variety.
What can I substitute for smoked sausage?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa, chorizo, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option. Each will impart a unique flavor to the soup, so choose according to your taste preference.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the peas or potatoes against the side of the pot while cooking. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
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).