Creamy Comfort: Hearty Pea Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of homemade green pea soup that promises warmth and nourishment.

Cold winter evenings call for something deeply satisfying and rich with flavor.

This hearty pea soup combines simple ingredients with delightful simplicity.

Fresh peas deliver a vibrant green color and natural sweetness to every spoonful.

Herbs and tender vegetables mingle beautifully to create a soul-warming meal.

Creamy and smooth, this soup transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

You’ll want to savor each delicious bite and share this comforting recipe with everyone at your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50-60 min (split peas) or 15 min (fresh peas)

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Pea Soup Recipe

• Onions: Provide a sweet, foundational flavor that builds depth in the soup.
• Carrots: Add natural sweetness and bright color to enhance visual appeal.
• Celery: Contributes subtle herbal notes and classic vegetable undertone.

• Garlic: Brings robust, pungent depth that elevates the entire soup profile.
• Thyme: Offers earthy, woodsy undertones that complement the pea's natural taste.
• Bay Leaf: Releases delicate herbal essence that rounds out the soup's complexity.

• Split Peas: Select bright green, uniform dried peas without cracks or discoloration for best texture and flavor.
• Broth: Choose low-sodium versions to control salt levels and allow natural ingredient flavors to shine.
• Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin to provide a smooth, fruity base for sautéing vegetables.
• Ham: Select lean, smoky cuts that add rich protein and intense savory character (optional).
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy finish that cuts through the soup's richness.

• Salt and Pepper: Season to personal taste, enhancing overall flavor profile.

Tools to Make That Bowl of Pea Soup Cozy

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking the entire soup base and simmering ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, carrots, and celery with ease.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Immersion Blender: Helpful for creating a smooth soup texture, optional but recommended.
• Measuring Cup: Ensures accurate broth and liquid measurements.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for adding herbs and seasonings.

How to Cook Pea Soup That Warms You Up

• Sauté Aromatics Warm a big pot and drizzle olive oil, then toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Let them dance and soften for about 5 minutes, releasing their delicious flavors.
• Build Flavor Sprinkle in minced garlic, fresh thyme, and a bay leaf. Let them sizzle and become fragrant for just a quick moment.
• Create Soup Base Drop in split peas and pour in broth. Crank up the heat until the mixture bubbles, then dial it back to a gentle simmer.
• Slow Cook Allow the soup to simmer uncovered, giving it an occasional stir. Let everything meld together for about an hour until peas become wonderfully tender.
• Customize Texture You have two paths: blend for silky smoothness using an immersion blender, or keep it chunky for rustic appeal.
• Add Protein Optional but delicious – fold in ham pieces and let them warm through for a few extra minutes.
• Final Touch Taste and adjust seasonings. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the whole dish. Serve piping hot and enjoy your comforting creation!

Pea Soup Tweaks You Can Totally Make Yours

• Soup Smoothing Secrets: Use an immersion blender for silky-smooth consistency without transferring hot liquid to a blender, reducing mess and potential burns.
• Ham Swap Options: Replace ham with smoked turkey, bacon bits, or plant-based protein like tempeh for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving space for expansion, and reheat gently to maintain texture.
• Low-Sodium Lifehack: Reduce salt by using low-sodium broth and skipping added salt, then let individuals season their own bowls with fresh herbs or a pinch of sea salt.
• Veggie Lover's Twist: For a vegetarian version, swap ham with roasted mushrooms or add diced root vegetables like parsnips for extra depth and protein-rich nutrients.

Serve Pea Soup With Bread, Bacon, or Love

• Soup Sidekick Platter: Arrange crusty bread slices, garlic croutons, and a small dish of grated parmesan on the side for guests to customize their soup experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Top each serving with crispy bacon bits, diced ham cubes, or shredded rotisserie chicken for an extra protein boost and delightful crunch.
• Herbal Garnish Grace: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or dill on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and elegant visual appeal to the hearty soup.
• Creamy Swirl Finish: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt in the center of each bowl, creating a beautiful contrast and adding a tangy, creamy dimension to the soup's earthy flavor.

Store Pea Soup So It’s Still Tasty Tomorrow

• Smart Storage Solutions: Refrigerate leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Freezing Friendly: Cool soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, where it can remain delicious for 3-4 months without losing quality.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm soup on stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to restore original consistency and prevent scorching at the bottom of the pot.
• Portioning Pro Tips: Divide soup into individual serving containers for quick meal prep, making weekday lunches or dinner easy and convenient.

Hearty Pea Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic French pea soup showcases garden-fresh ingredients with elegance. Creamy comfort awaits with crisp garnishes and delicate herb notes that invite you to savor each spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (300 g) dried split peas, rinsed
• 3 cups (450 g) fresh or frozen green peas
• 1 cup diced ham (optional)
• 6 cups (1.5 L / 50 fl oz) vegetable or chicken broth
• 4 cups (1 L / 33.8 fl oz) vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• ½ tsp dried mint or basil (optional)
• ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Flavor Foundation: Gently sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until softened and translucent, developing a rich aromatic base.
2. Herb Infusion: Add minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf to the vegetable mixture, allowing their fragrant essences to bloom and intensify the soup’s flavor profile.
3. Liquid Integration: Incorporate split peas and broth into the pot, creating a robust liquid foundation that will transform into a hearty soup.
4. Cooking Transformation: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing peas to gradually soften and break down while occasional stirring prevents scorching.
5. Textural Decision: After 45-60 minutes, choose between a silky smooth consistency by removing bay leaf and using an immersion blender, or maintain a rustic, chunky texture.
6. Protein Enhancement: Optionally fold in diced ham, warming it through to add depth and additional protein to the soup.
7. Final Flourish: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and brighten the flavor with a splash of lemon juice, then serve piping hot in warmed bowls for a comforting, nourishing meal.

Notes

• Optimize Vegetable Sautéing: Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor release during initial preparation stage.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Monitor broth levels throughout simmering, adding extra liquid if soup becomes too thick to prevent burning and maintain desired texture.
• Enhance Protein Flexibility: Substitute ham with smoked tofu, diced chicken, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary preferences without compromising soup’s rich profile.
• Elevate Flavor Complexity: Toast spices like cumin or add smoked paprika before introducing liquid to deepen soup’s aromatic dimension and create more sophisticated taste layers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 min (split peas) or 15 min (fresh peas)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg