Powerful Pea Chowder
A hearty, comforting pea chowder with tender split peas, potatoes, and a creamy finish, perfect for cozy meals and suitable for vegetarians seeking a flavorful soup.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring peas, chopped onion, and water to a boil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Add diced potato and salt. Cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until peas and potato are soft.
- Add evaporated milk and margarine. Heat for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the evaporated milk. You can substitute dried split peas with canned peas; just reduce the cooking time. If you prefer a lighter option, use low-fat milk instead of evaporated milk. For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or bay leaf during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a unique twist, consider serving alongside Lite Applesauce-Oatmeal Muffins for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Powerful Pea Chowder contains roughly 325 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1244mg 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 make this chowder vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this chowder vegan by substituting the evaporated milk with a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond milk, and using vegan margarine instead of regular margarine.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked diced ham or crumbled bacon as a topping. For a vegetarian option, you could stir in some cooked lentils or serve it with a side of chickpea salad.
How can I thicken the chowder?
If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the peas and potatoes after cooking or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last few minutes of cooking.
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).