Habitant Pea Soup
A hearty and comforting traditional pea soup featuring tender yellow peas, salt pork, and vegetables, perfect for cozy gatherings and cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick over the dried yellow peas and soak overnight or according to package directions.
- Boil the soaked peas for 10 minutes in water to cover.
- Drain the peas and discard the boiling water.
- Place the peas in a deep kettle.
- Add cold water, minced salt pork, minced onion, minced celery, chopped carrots, salt and pepper to taste, and ground allspice.
- Simmer, covered, over the lowest possible heat for 2 to 3 hours until the peas are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked ham hocks instead of salt pork. If you're short on time, you can use canned yellow peas instead of dried, but reduce the cooking time to about 30 minutes. Adding a bay leaf during simmering can enhance the taste. If you want a thicker soup, purée a portion of the soup and stir it back in, similar to techniques found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Habitant Pea Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Eleanor's Baked Beans for a flavorful combination. A dollop of sour cream can also add a creamy finish to the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Habitant Pea Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Habitant Pea Soup contains roughly 784 calories, with 12g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1240mg per serving (54% 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 make Habitant Pea Soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the salt pork and using vegetable broth instead of water. You may want to add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor typically provided by the pork.
How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, simply purée a portion of the soup and mix it back in. Alternatively, you can add more peas or reduce the amount of water used during cooking for a denser consistency.
What can I substitute for yellow peas?
If you can't find dried yellow peas, split green peas are a suitable substitute and will yield a similar flavor and texture. Keep in mind that they may alter the final color of the soup, but the taste will still be delicious.
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).