Pea Soup Recipe
Pea soup has been enjoyed for centuries and can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where peas were a staple food. In the Middle Ages, it became particularly popular in Europe, especially in countries like France, England, and the Netherlands.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Blender or immersion blender (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) dried split peas or 4 cups fresh/frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- Optional: Cooked ham or bacon for added flavor
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the VegetablesStart by preparing your vegetables. Finely chop the onion, dice the carrots, and chop the celery. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Sauté the VegetablesIn a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add the Peas and HerbsIf using dried split peas, rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Add the peas to the pot, followed by the bay leaf and thyme. Stir everything together.
- Pour in the BrothPour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring the peas and vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the SoupOnce the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 50-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The peas should become tender, and the soup will start to thicken.
- Blend (Optional)If you prefer a creamy pea soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can also transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender, but be careful not to overfill it with hot liquid.
- Season and ServeSeason the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to add extra flavor, stir in some cooked ham or crispy bacon. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- EnjoyLadle the soup into bowls and enjoy it with crusty bread or crackers on the side!