Hearty Pea Soup
A comforting, hearty pea soup with fresh herbs and vegetables, perfect for chilly days and suitable for vegetarians seeking a nourishing, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute diced onion in butter until soft, along with bay leaves and celery seed.
- Stir in green split peas, barley, and lima beans.
- Add water and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 1 1/2 hours on low heat or until beans are tender.
- Add salt, pepper, chopped carrots, diced celery, diced potato, basil, and thyme.
- Turn heat down as low as possible and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before serving. If you don't have barley, quinoa or farro can be good substitutes. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor, so feel free to add some dill or chives. To enhance the soup, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving or top with croutons for added crunch. This hearty pea soup is a great companion to Mix-In Muffins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hearty pea soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with cheese corn mini muffins for a delightful contrast in textures. Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. This soup also makes for a filling lunch option or a comforting dinner on a chilly evening.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore the desired consistency. Always taste and adjust seasoning after reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Pea Soup contains roughly 311 calories, with 9g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1136mg per serving (49% 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 fresh peas instead of split peas?
Yes, you can use fresh peas, but they will cook much faster than split peas. Add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. Fresh peas will also provide a lighter flavor and texture in the soup.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to the butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a vegan version of the soup. Both options will provide a rich flavor without compromising the overall taste of the dish.
Can I add meat to this soup for extra flavor?
Certainly! Adding diced ham or cooked bacon can enhance the flavor profile of the soup. If you choose to include meat, it’s best to add it after sautéing the onions for added depth, ensuring it melds well with the other ingredients.
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).