9 Best Pea Soup Recipes for a Flavorful and Nourishing Meal

Pea soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that has been enjoyed in various cultures for centuries. I have gathered a collection of the 9 best pea soup recipes that showcase the versatility of this healthy ingredient. Each recipe offers a unique blend of flavors and techniques, making it easy to find the perfect option for any occasion.

From classic preparations to innovative twists, these recipes highlight how simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting meal. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or impress guests at a dinner party, there’s a pea soup recipe here that will satisfy your needs.

1. Classic Split Pea Soup

Classic split pea soup is a hearty dish made primarily from yellow or green split peas. It is thick, flavorful, and comforting, perfect for any season.

Making this soup is quite simple. I can easily prepare it in about an hour, though it requires some simmering time. Here are short steps to follow:

1. I start by rinsing 1 cup of split peas.
2. Then I chop 1 onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks.
3. In a pot, I heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the vegetables until soft.
4. Next, I add the split peas and 4 cups of vegetable broth.
5. I season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
6. Finally, I bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes.

Stirring occasionally helps ensure even cooking. When done, the soup should be thick and creamy. I enjoy it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

2. Smoky Ham and Pea Soup

Smoky Ham and Pea Soup is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavor of ham with the freshness of peas. It offers a delightful combination of taste and texture.

Making this soup is quite simple. It takes about 30 minutes of preparation and 1 hour of cooking. I find it easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Ingredients: Gather 1 cup of dried split peas, 1 smoked ham hock, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (sliced), 2 celery stalks (sliced), and 6 cups of chicken broth.
2. Preparation: Rinse the split peas under cold water. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
3. Combine: Add the rinsed peas, ham hock, and broth to the pot. Stir everything together.
4. Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour.
5. Finish: Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return the meat to the soup. Stir well and serve hot.

This recipe is perfect for chilly days and pairs well with crusty bread.

3. Vegetarian Split Pea Stew

Vegetarian split pea stew is a hearty and nutritious dish made primarily from split peas, vegetables, and spices. It’s rich in protein and fiber, making it a great meal option.

I find this recipe is quite easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients. The cooking process takes about an hour, which is great for a weeknight meal.

To make the stew, follow these steps:

1. Rinse 1 cup of split peas under cold water and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the split peas and 4 cups of vegetable broth.
5. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

This recipe offers a comforting dish that warms up any chilly day. Enjoying a bowl of vegetarian split pea stew can be both satisfying and healthy.

4. Caribbean Pea Soup with Dumplings

Caribbean Pea Soup with Dumplings is a flavorful dish that combines split peas and dumplings. This soup reflects the rich flavors of Caribbean cooking. It is comforting and satisfying, perfect for a meal.

Making this soup is easy and requires simple ingredients. You will need split peas, vegetables, spices, and flour for the dumplings. This recipe takes about an hour to cook.

Here are the steps to prepare:

1. Rinse 1 cup of split peas and soak them for about 30 minutes.
2. In a pot, sauté 1 chopped onion, 1 carrot, and 1 bell pepper until soft.
3. Add the soaked peas, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and your favorite spices like thyme and bay leaves.
4. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until the peas are tender.
5. For dumplings, mix 1 cup of flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add enough water to form a dough.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling soup and cook for 10 minutes.

This Caribbean soup is hearty and flavorful, making it a great choice for a warm meal any day.

5. Pea Soup with Mint and Lemon

Pea Soup with Mint and Lemon is refreshing and vibrant. The combination of sweet peas, bright mint, and zesty lemon creates a flavorful dish. This soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

To make this soup, I use fresh or frozen peas. The cooking process typically takes about 20-30 minutes. Here’s a simple way to prepare it:

1. In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in 4 cups of peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add the juice of 1 lemon and a handful of fresh mint.
7. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

This pea soup is creamy and has a lovely minty aroma. It’s perfect as a light meal or paired with crusty bread.

6. Creamy Pea and Leek Soup

Creamy Pea and Leek Soup is a smooth and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of peas with the mild taste of leeks. It is simple to make and perfect for a quick meal.

To prepare this soup, I start by gathering my ingredients: leeks, peas, vegetable broth, cream, and seasoning. This recipe is easy for anyone to try.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Sauté two chopped leeks in a pot over medium heat until they soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Add four cups of vegetable broth and two cups of frozen peas. Bring it to a boil.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors develop.
4. Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in half a cup of cream for added richness and heat for another 2 minutes.

I enjoy this soup warm, garnished with fresh herbs. It’s a comforting dish that showcases the fresh taste of vegetables.

7. Spicy Yellow Pea Soup

Spicy yellow pea soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish. Yellow split peas are the main ingredient. They are rich in protein and fiber.

I find this soup easy to make. It takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes to cook. Here are the quick steps I follow:

1. Rinse 1 cup of yellow split peas under cold water.
2. In a pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced carrot. Sauté for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for spice.
5. Add the rinsed peas to the pot along with 4 cups of vegetable broth.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until peas are tender.
7. Blend the soup for a smooth texture if desired.

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. It’s a warm and comforting meal, perfect for any time of the year.

8. Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Instant Pot split pea soup is a comforting and nutritious dish made with split peas, vegetables, and seasonings. This method allows for a quick and tasty meal that I can prepare in less than an hour.

Making this soup is quite easy. I start by rinsing 1 cup of split peas and chopping 1 onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks. Then, I sauté the vegetables in the Instant Pot for about 5 minutes.

Next, I add the rinsed split peas, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 bay leaf. I also season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme if I want extra flavor.

I close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. After cooking, I let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.

I like to blend the soup slightly for a creamier texture or leave it chunky, depending on my preference. The end result is a warm and hearty soup that is perfect for any day.

9. Pea and Basil Soup

Pea and Basil Soup is a simple yet flavorful dish. It combines the sweetness of peas with the fresh taste of basil. This soup is not only tasty but also nutritious.

Making this soup is easy, even for beginners. The ingredients are simple and can be found in most kitchens. I enjoy preparing it because it takes minimal time.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Ingredients: I gather fresh or frozen peas, fresh basil, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, and olive oil.
2. Sauté: In a pot, I heat olive oil and add chopped onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add Peas: Next, I add the peas and vegetable broth. I bring it to a boil and then let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Blending: After simmering, I blend the mixture until smooth.
5. Add Basil: Finally, I stir in fresh basil and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes.

This soup can be served hot or cold. It makes a light meal or a perfect starter. Enjoy!

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Pea Soup?

Pea soup is not only delicious but also offers a variety of nutritional benefits. Its unique ingredients contribute to its high protein content and rich array of vitamins and minerals.

How Does Pea Soup Provide High Protein Content?

Pea soup is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. Peas contain about 8 grams of protein per cup, making them an excellent plant-based option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

This protein content supports muscle growth and repair, which is especially important for active individuals. It’s a good alternative to meat-based proteins for vegetarians and vegans.

Additionally, the high protein levels in pea soup can help keep you feeling full longer. This can aid in weight management by reducing the need for snacking between meals.

What Vitamins and Minerals Are Found in Pea Soup?

Pea soup is packed with vitamins and minerals that support overall health. It provides important nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and several B vitamins.

For example, vitamin A is vital for eye health and immune function, while vitamin C boosts the immune system and aids in collagen production. B vitamins play a crucial role in energy metabolism and brain health.

Peas also provide essential minerals like iron and magnesium. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, while magnesium supports muscle and nerve function.

Including pea soup in your diet can help you meet your daily nutritional needs while enjoying a hearty meal.