Lentil Pea Soup
A hearty, comforting lentil and pea soup with aromatic cloves and herbs, perfect for chilly days and nutritious meals, appealing to veggie lovers and comfort food fans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak split peas overnight.
- Drain the soaked peas.
- Insert cloves halfway into the large onion.
- Add the peas, onion, garlic, bay leaf, chicken stock or water, salt, and pepper to a pot.
- Bring to a boil, skim off foam, then simmer until peas are tender, about 1 hour.
- Remove the bay leaf, garlic, and onion from the soup.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and ground pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding diced carrots or celery along with the onion. If you prefer a creamier texture, blend part of the soup before serving. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Ensure to soak the split peas overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with citrus-based dishes, making it a great accompaniment to a light Citrus Beet Soup. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to maintain its consistency. This soup also freezes well; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentil Pea Soup contains roughly 1977 calories, with 48g protein, 265g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (178% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (139% of the Daily Value), and protein (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 lentils instead of split peas?
While you can substitute dried lentils, the cooking time and texture will vary. Lentils cook faster and may not provide the same creamy consistency as split peas. Adjust the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes for lentils, checking for tenderness.
Is it necessary to soak the split peas?
Soaking split peas is not strictly necessary but is recommended. Soaking helps to reduce cooking time and can improve digestibility. If you forget to soak them overnight, you can use a quick soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes and then letting them sit for an hour.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For extra depth, consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano during cooking. A splash of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors. You could also incorporate smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
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).