Hearty Green Pea Soup
Hearty Green Pea Soup offers a comforting, nutritious bowl filled with the rich flavors of green peas, potatoes, carrots, and herbs. Perfect for chilly days or a wholesome meal, it's suitable for vegetarians and can be enhanced with ham or sausage for added flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the green split peas and drain them.
- Add 2 quarts of water to the peas and season to taste.
- Cook the peas for 2 hours.
- Add diced potatoes, carrots, onions, herbs, and butter to the pot.
- Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the soup reaches the desired thickness.
- Optional: add ham bits or smoked sausage for extra flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup after cooking. If you prefer a heartier version, adding diced ham bits or smoked sausage can enhance the flavor. You can substitute green split peas with yellow split peas if needed. Adjust the spices to your taste, and feel free to add other vegetables like celery or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Hearty Green Pea Soup is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. Consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of croutons for added texture. A side of Grandma'S Raisin Crunchies makes for a perfect dessert to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Green Pea Soup contains roughly 716 calories, with 7g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 peas instead of dry split peas?
Canned peas are not recommended for this recipe, as they won't provide the same texture and flavor. Dry split peas need to be cooked for an extended time to break down and create a creamy soup. If you're short on time, look for quick-cooking split peas that cut cooking time significantly.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Hearty Green Pea Soup is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. To keep it vegetarian, simply skip any optional meat additions like ham or sausage. It’s a great option for those following vegetarian recipes, and you can enhance the flavor with vegetable broth instead of water.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?
If your soup is thinner than desired, you can thicken it by simmering it longer to evaporate some of the liquid. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for a creamier consistency. Adding a bit of mashed potato or a cornstarch slurry can also help achieve the desired thickness.
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).