Ma Murphy'S Pea Soup
A hearty, comforting pea soup enriched with ham or smoked shoulder bone, featuring tender vegetables and a creamy milk finish, perfect for chilly days and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large kettle, melt the margarine.
- Add chopped celery, sliced onions, and the ham or smoked shoulder bone.
- Saute until the onion and celery are tender.
- Add cold water, washed dried split green peas, and ground black pepper.
- Simmer, covered, until the peas mash between fingers, about 1 hour.
- Remove the bone from the kettle; cut off the meat and reserve it.
- Add hot milk and the reserved meat to the soup; do not boil.
- Serve hot, adding more milk if the soup is too thick.
- Serve with croutons if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and add smoked paprika for a similar taste. Adjust the black pepper to your liking, and feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or garlic for more complexity. This soup can also be made in a slow cooker for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pea soup hot, with a sprinkling of croutons for added texture. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, try serving it alongside a slice of Cheese And Ham Quiche or alongside American recipes for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the consistency if needed. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it cools completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ma Murphy'S Pea Soup contains roughly 1483 calories, with 31g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 109g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (137% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and protein (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1079mg per serving (47% 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 frozen peas instead of dried split peas?
Frozen peas are not recommended for this recipe, as they won't provide the same creamy texture. Dried split peas are essential for achieving the desired consistency and flavor. If you're short on time, you might consider using canned split peas, but be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make this soup spicy?
To add some heat to your pea soup, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during the sautéing process. This will infuse the flavors throughout the soup. Alternatively, serve it with a side of Spicy Texas Trash for an extra kick.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this pea soup can be made a day in advance, which actually enhances the flavors. Simply cool it completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove, adding more milk if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
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).