Pea Soup
A hearty and comforting pea soup packed with smoky ham, tender vegetables, and the natural sweetness of peas. Perfect for chilly days, it offers a rich flavor profile and a creamy texture. Ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this soup is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and sort the dry peas.
- Boil the peas in enough water to cover them for 20 minutes.
- Let the peas stand for 20 minutes, then drain.
- Fill the pot with fresh water.
- Add the remaining ingredients, including chopped onion, diced potatoes, drained carrots, and leftover ham.
- Simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld, about 20-30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before serving. You can substitute the leftover ham with bacon or smoked turkey for different flavors. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra vegetables or beans. Adjust the salt according to taste, especially if using salty ham. For added depth, a dash of smoked paprika works wonders.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pea soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or croutons for added texture. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad, such as a Creamy Pea Salad, for a complete meal. This soup also complements grilled cheese sandwiches or a light green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Pork Chops And Sweet Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the soup thickens too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Freezing is an option as well; just allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pea Soup contains roughly 201 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 475mg per serving (21% 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 dry peas?
Yes, you can use frozen peas for a quicker version of pea soup. However, you should skip the boiling and soaking steps, adding the frozen peas directly to the pot with the other ingredients. The cooking time will be shorter, about 10-15 minutes or until the peas are tender.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this pea soup, simply omit the leftover ham and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables, such as bell peppers or celery, and consider mixing in some canned beans for protein.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This pea soup can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it up to a day ahead, cool it completely, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
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).