How to Make Pea Soup

Rich, thick, and comforting pea soup is perfect for the cold winter days. A warm and filling dish with deep flavors that warm both the body and soul. This is a simple recipe that puts the peas at the forefront, highlighting their natural sweetness alongside light seasoning that balances the flavors.

This soup is especially loved by both children and adults, and it works well as a light side dish for a family meal or as a main dish on its own.

Ingredients:

1 large onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1.5 cups dried peas (soaked for at least two hours and drained)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped into cubes
8 cups of water or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

The ingredients are listed in order of use. Feel free to adjust quantities according to personal preferences.

How to Make:

Preparation: Before preparing the soup, soak the dried peas in water for about two hours and drain them. Peel the onion and chop it along with the celery.
Preparing the Carrots: For this specific soup, I cook the small carrot cubes in a small pot for about 10 minutes and let them cool in the water they were cooked in. I add the carrots after blending the other ingredients, so I get a smooth pea soup with surprise chunks of carrot.
Sautéing the Base Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a pot and add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté for a short time until they begin to soften and turn golden.
Adding the Peas and Seasoning: Add the pre-soaked peas to the pot and mix well with the other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. If you like, you can also add a bay leaf.
Adding Liquids: Pour the water or broth into the pot, ensuring that all the ingredients are covered with liquid. Stir well, especially at the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck residue. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the peas are very soft and the soup starts to thicken.
Blending: For a smooth and creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup. It’s recommended to let the soup cool slightly before blending. If you haven’t already cooked the small carrot cubes, you can do so while the soup cools and add them after blending the soup.

Tips to Upgrade the Soup:

Bay Leaves: Adds flavor complexity. Remove them after cooking.
Garlic: You can add garlic during the pea cooking stage for extra flavor.
Herbs: Add a bit of chopped parsley on top before serving.
Dairy Addition: For an extra treat, you can serve the soup with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt on top.
Croutons: Serve with crunchy croutons or homemade toasted bread on the side.
Smoky Version: Add cubes of smoked chicken breast, sausage, bacon, or lamb bacon for a smoky flavor.

How to Store the Soup:

Pea soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. If the soup thickens too much after cooling, you can thin it with a little water or broth when reheating.

Good luck and enjoy!