Pea Soup Plus
A hearty, smoky pea soup with tender pork, vegetables, and warm spices, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large kettle over high heat, combine the smoked pork butt, split peas, carrots, onion, celery, black peppercorns, allspice, bay leaf, and 2 quarts of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pork is tender and the flavors meld, approximately 2 hours.
- Remove the pork butt, shred or chop it, and return it to the soup.
- Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a drizzle of honey for a hint of sweetness. If you don't have smoked pork butt, ham hocks or even bacon can work as substitutes, imparting a smoky flavor. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the meat altogether, adding mushrooms for depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pea soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme adds brightness. For a complete dinner, pair it with a light salad or offer sides like roasted vegetables. This dish pairs beautifully with Hurry-Up Pork Hash for those looking for more pork recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to leave space in the container for expansion. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop, adding a little water if it thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pea Soup Plus contains roughly 641 calories, with 13g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value), and iron (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1153mg per serving (50% 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 quick-cooking split peas?
Yes, you can use dried peas, but you will need to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Quick-cooking split peas are designed to save time, while dried peas will require more preparation and cooking time.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side so everyone can adjust the spice level to their liking.
What can I serve with pea soup?
Pea soup is delicious on its own, but serving it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad complements the dish well. You might also enjoy it alongside American recipes like Layered Sea Salad for a delightful contrast of flavors.
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).