Popeye'S Sweet Pea And Olive Oyl Soup
A hearty, flavorful pea and spinach soup with sweet yams and olives, perfect for a comforting meal that appeals to vegetarians and soup lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 10 cups water ⓘ
- 3 1/4 cups dried green split peas ⓘ
- 2 cups diced red onion ⓘ
- 2 cups diced yams ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 2 packages frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons basil ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Spike or salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
- Add split peas, diced red onion, diced yams, chopped celery, and olive oil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 30 minutes.
- Add chopped spinach, minced garlic, and basil; bring to a boil again.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 25 to 35 minutes or until split peas have dissolved to form a thick broth.
- Stir occasionally.
- Add thawed frozen peas and soy sauce.
- Add molasses and Spike or salt to taste.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until peas are tender and flavors are well blended.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the peas. If you don't have yams, sweet potatoes make a great substitute. You can also use fresh spinach instead of frozen; just add it the last few minutes of cooking. For extra flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or serve with a side of Christa'S Tomato Chutney.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with Moroccan Carrot Salad for a refreshing contrast. For added protein, consider topping with roasted chickpeas or serving alongside a grain dish like quinoa or farro.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth if the soup is too thick. It can also be reheated in the microwave for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Popeye'S Sweet Pea And Olive Oyl Soup contains roughly 351 calories, with 14g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (112% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2124mg per serving (92% 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 are not the same as split peas and may require different cooking times and methods. Split peas cook down to a creamy consistency, while whole dried peas will retain more of their shape. If using dried peas, soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. You can also add a splash of hot sauce before serving to customize the spice level according to your taste.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of water if necessary to restore its 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).