Old Fashioned Pea Soup
A hearty, comforting green split pea soup with smoky ham flavor, perfect for cold days and family gatherings, offering warmth and wholesome goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cover peas with 2 quarts water and soak overnight.
- Add ham bone, chopped onion, garlic salt, crushed marjoram, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Cover the saucepan, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the ham bone and cut off the meat.
- Dice the meat and return it to the soup along with chopped celery and chopped carrot.
- Cook slowly for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt to taste and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during cooking and remove it before serving. If you don't have a ham bone, diced cooked ham or smoked sausage can be good substitutes. To enhance the soup's texture, blend a portion of it and stir it back in. This recipe can easily be adapted to vegetarian by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pea soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the dish. This soup pairs beautifully with He-Man Scalloped Potatoes for a comforting dinner. A light salad can also balance the meal nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the soup has thickened.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Pea Soup contains roughly 1370 calories, with 66g protein, 301g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (701% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (306% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (260% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1252mg 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 use dried peas instead of split peas?
Dried peas and split peas are different; split peas are hulled and split, which helps them cook faster. If you choose dried peas, soak them longer and adjust cooking time, as they may require more liquid and time to become tender.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the ham bone and replace the water with vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables, like potatoes or green beans, for added flavor and texture.
Can I freeze pea soup?
Yes, pea soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if necessary.
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).