Southbridge Pea Soup
A hearty and comforting pea soup infused with ham flavor, perfect for chilly days and loved by those who enjoy savory, smoky, and wholesome dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the yellow split peas with water in a large pot and add the onion, ham bone, bay leaf, and water.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 to 4 hours until the peas are mushy.
- Remove the ham bone and bay leaf from the soup.
- Add more water if the soup is too thick.
- Stir in half of the dried onion soup mix and cook for another 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with croutons.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the peas before serving. If you don't have a ham bone, diced smoked sausage or bacon can work as a substitute. Adjust the amount of dried onion soup mix based on your flavor preference. To add a fresh touch, consider stirring in some chopped parsley or thyme before serving. This soup can also be paired with a side of bread for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, topped with croutons for added texture. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, such as an Independence Day Salad, or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For a more festive touch, consider serving it alongside Pork recipes or grilled meats during outdoor gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. This soup also freezes well; store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southbridge Pea Soup contains roughly 878 calories, with 16g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1497mg per serving (65% 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 soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by omitting the ham bone and using vegetable broth instead of water. Add smoked paprika to replicate the smoky flavor typically provided by the ham. You can also include additional vegetables like carrots and celery for more depth.
What can I use if I don't have yellow split peas?
If yellow split peas are unavailable, green split peas are a suitable alternative. They have a similar cooking time and flavor profile, though the finished soup will have a slightly different color. Ensure you adjust cooking times based on the type of peas used.
How can I thicken the soup further?
To thicken the soup, you can either blend a portion of it until smooth or add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a bit of cold water) while it simmers. Another option is to stir in some mashed potatoes or cooked rice for added thickness and heartiness.
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).