How to Make Delicious Pea Soup: Easy Recipe

Are you a fan of hearty, healthy foods that are easy to make? Then pea soup might just be the perfect dish for you! This classic comfort food is packed with protein and other nutritious ingredients, and it’s surprisingly simple to whip up in your own kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner just learning the ropes, this article will guide you through the process of making delicious, satisfying pea soup that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

To get started, you’ll need some basic ingredients, including dried split peas, vegetables like onions and carrots, and some flavorful seasonings like garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. With a few simple steps, you can cook up a big batch of pea soup that will last for days and satisfy your hunger for wholesome, satisfying food. So grab a pot, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy the warm, comforting taste of homemade pea soup!

Ingredients

Making a delicious pea soup requires fresh and quality ingredients. You can find these items easily at the grocery store or farmer’s market.

1. Green peas

Start by getting the freshest green peas available. You can use canned green peas, but they won’t have the same fresh taste like fresh ones. Frozen green peas work fine too, but make sure they still retain their vibrant green color. A pound of peas is plenty for a family of four.

2. Carrots

You will need a couple of carrots to add a touch of sweetness and color to your pea soup. Use fresh carrots for richer flavor. Peel them and chop into small pieces.

3. Onion and garlic

Chop one medium-sized onion. The onion will give your soup a wonderful flavor and aroma. Add some minced garlic as well to take the flavor profile up a notch.

4. Celery

A stalk of celery adds a unique layer of flavor and crunchiness to your pea soup.

5. Chicken or vegetable broth

You need about 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. You can make the broth from scratch or purchase it from the store.

6. Thyme and bay leaf

Throw in some fresh thyme and a bay leaf to add depth of flavor to your soup.

7. Salt and pepper

Season your soup generously with salt and pepper. Don’t overdo it, though. You can always adjust the seasoning later.

8. Olive oil and butter

Use olive oil and butter to sauté the vegetables to bring out their flavors.

9. Heavy cream

Add a touch of cream to your pea soup towards the end of the cooking process. This gives your soup a silky texture and richness.

10. Croutons

Top your pea soup with croutons for an added crunch. You can make your croutons at home or purchase them from the store.

Preparation

1. Sauté onions, garlic, celery, and carrots

In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once heated, add chopped onions, minced garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté them until they become tender.

2. Add broth, peas, thyme, and bay leaf

Add chicken or vegetable broth, peas, thyme, and bay leaf into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes.

3. Blend and add cream

Remove the bay leaf and thyme twigs from the soup. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until it becomes smooth. Then, add heavy cream to the soup and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

4. Serve your pea soup with croutons.

Ladle your soup into bowls and top with croutons. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro, enjoy your hot and delicious pea soup!

Ingredients Needed to Make Pea Soup

Pea soup is a delicious and versatile dish that can be made using a wide variety of ingredients. Although the flavor and texture of your pea soup will largely depend on your personal preferences, there are a few key ingredients that are typically included in this dish. Here are the ten essential ingredients that you will need to make pea soup.

1. Dried Green Peas

The first and most important ingredient in pea soup is, of course, dried green peas. You can use either split peas or whole peas, depending on your preference. Whole peas will take longer to cook, but they will result in a heartier and more flavorful soup. Split peas, on the other hand, cook faster and produce a smoother texture. You will need about 2 cups of dried peas to make a pot of pea soup.

2. Ham Hock or Bacon

Many traditional recipes for pea soup call for either a ham hock or several slices of bacon. These meats add a smoky, savory flavor to the soup, as well as some additional protein. If you are using a ham hock, you will need to simmer it in the soup for several hours to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Vegetables

To add some extra nutrition and flavor to your pea soup, you can also include a variety of vegetables. Common options include onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. These vegetables add depth and complexity to the soup, as well as some vitamins and minerals.

4. Liquid

Pea soup needs to have enough liquid to simmer in, which is usually provided by chicken or vegetable broth. If you want a thicker soup, you can use less liquid. You can also add water if you need to adjust the consistency.

5. Herbs and Spices

To help balance out the flavors in the soup and add some depth, you can add a variety of herbs and spices. Some common options include bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. You can also experiment with other spices and seasonings to create a unique flavor profile.

6. Cream or Milk (Optional)

If you want to make your pea soup creamier or more decadent, you can add a splash of heavy cream or some milk towards the end of the cooking process. This will give the soup a richer texture and a slightly sweet flavor.

7. Potatoes (Optional)

For a heartier soup that is more filling, you can add some diced potatoes to the pot. These will cook along with the other ingredients and add some extra bulk and flavor.

8. Seasonal Ingredients (Optional)

Depending on the time of year, you can also experiment with using seasonal ingredients in your pea soup. For example, in the fall you might add some diced squash or pumpkin, while in the spring you might add some fresh peas or asparagus.

9. Garnishes

To finish off your pea soup and add some visual appeal, you can garnish the top with a variety of ingredients. Some common options include croutons, bacon bits, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil.

10. Cornbread or Crusty Bread (Optional)

Finally, if you want to serve your pea soup with a side dish, cornbread or crusty bread are both excellent choices. These will help soak up some of the soup and provide a satisfying, chewy texture.

Ingredients for Pea Soup

Pea soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for colder months. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the soup can be made in just a few steps. In this section of the article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to make pea soup.

Dried Peas

The main ingredient in pea soup is, of course, peas. Most pea soup recipes call for dried peas, which are widely available at grocery stores. You’ll need about two cups of dried peas to make a batch of pea soup. It’s important to rinse the peas thoroughly before cooking them to remove any dirt or debris.

Ham or Bacon

Another essential ingredient in pea soup is ham or bacon. These meats add a rich, smoky flavor to the soup and make it more filling. You’ll need about a cup of diced ham or bacon for a batch of pea soup. If you’re not a meat-eater, you can skip this ingredient or use a vegetarian bacon substitute.

Vegetables

Pea soup also includes a variety of vegetables, including onions, carrots, and celery. These vegetables add depth and flavor to the soup and make it more nutritious. You’ll need about a cup of diced onions, half a cup of diced carrots, and half a cup of diced celery for a batch of pea soup.

Broth or Water

To cook the peas and vegetables, you’ll need a liquid base. Most pea soup recipes call for either chicken or vegetable broth, but you can also use water. You’ll need about six cups of liquid for a batch of pea soup. If you’re using broth, be sure to choose a low-sodium version to keep the soup from becoming too salty.

Herbs and Spices

Finally, pea soup is often seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices. Common options include thyme, bay leaves, garlic, and black pepper. You can experiment with different flavor combinations to find the perfect seasoning blend for your tastes.

In summary, the ingredients needed to make pea soup are dried peas, ham or bacon, onions, carrots, celery, and broth or water. By using a blend of herbs and spices, you can make a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try? With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone.

That’s a Wrap!

And there you have it, folks – a warm, hearty bowl of pea soup made from scratch! I hope you enjoyed reading about my recipe and found some inspiration to whip up a batch of your own. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation, so feel free to add your own unique twist to this dish. Thanks for joining me in the kitchen today, and make sure to check back for more delicious recipes in the future. Happy cooking!