Two Pea Soup
A hearty, flavorful split pea soup with smoky ham hock and fresh peas, perfect for comfort food lovers and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a kettle, cook the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic in the butter, covered, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until soft.
- Add the ham hock, split peas, chicken broth, bay leaf, and 2 cups of water.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, skimming froth, and cook the soup, covered partially, in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 1 hour.
- Transfer the ham hock to a cutting board; cool slightly and cut the meat into small pieces.
- Stir the meat into the soup; season with salt and pepper and discard the bay leaf.
- Just before serving, stir in the thawed peas and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and use smoked paprika to impart a similar flavor. You can also substitute the dried split peas with canned peas for quicker preparation, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you want added creaminess, blend a portion of the soup before adding the thawed peas. This soup is perfect for meal prep and can be easily doubled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Two Pea Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a sandwich or a slice of quiche. This soup is also great for batch cooking and makes a comforting lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Two Pea Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Two Pea Soup contains roughly 496 calories, with 10g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (165% of the Daily Value), iron (95% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen ones. Just make sure to add them towards the end of the cooking process, as fresh peas require less cooking time and will retain a nice texture and color.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too thin?
If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by blending a portion of it with an immersion blender or by adding a few more split peas. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to achieve the desired consistency.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a light meal. For something heartier, consider serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of savory quiche. It also complements American recipes like Chicken-Velveeta Soup nicely.
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).