Discover how to make pea soup with this easy, healthy pea soup recipe. From ingredients to variations, get tips for a perfect pea stew and warm your soul with this comforting dish.
Introduction🫛
If you’ve been searching for how to make pea soup that’s simple, nourishing, and full of flavour, you’re in exactly the right place. This recipe walks you through an easy pea stew alternative, giving you a hearty bowl of comfort that also doubles as a healthy meal. Let’s dive into how to make pea soup, why it’s such a crowd-pleaser, and all the tips and tricks you’ll need.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- How to make pea soup step by step
- Why this easy pea soup recipe works so well
- Ingredients, equipment, variations, serving suggestions
- Nutritional information along with health benefits
- FAQs to answer all your questions
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 😍
You’ll love this recipe because it combines convenience, nutrition, flavour and comfort all in one. Whether you call it pea soup or pea stew, this dish brings together dried peas, vegetables, warming spices and a touch of richness to create something truly satisfying. Making this pea soup is not only easy but also rewardingly versatile — you can adapt it to your diet, make it vegetarian or add some extra protein if you like. Plus, this healthy pea soup is budget-friendly and perfect for batch cooking or meal prep.
And because you’re reading this on 9jaKitchen, you know it’ll be done with flair and taste. 🍲 Let’s get cooking!
🛒Ingredients Needed for the Dish
Here are the ingredients for our easy pea soup recipe (serves about 4–6).
- 2 cups dried split peas (yellow or green) – the star of this pea soup.
- 1 medium onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 carrots, chopped – for colour and natural sweetness.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped – classic soup base flavour.
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced – flavour boost.
- 1 litre vegetable or chicken broth – for the base of the stew.
- 2 cups water – additional liquid to adjust consistency.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – herbaceous undertone.
- 1 bay leaf – extra aromatic layer.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – seasoning is key.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing vegetables.
- Optional: 150 g diced smoked ham or bacon (if not vegetarian) – adds savoury richness to your pea soup.
- Optional: A handful of chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
Each of these ingredients plays its role in making the pea stew version of this dish, giving it body, warmth and flavour.
🍽️Equipment Needed
You don’t need fancy gear — here’s what you’ll need to make this pea soup recipe:
- A large heavy-bottom saucepan or soup pot with a lid.
- A wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring.
- A chopping board and a sharp knife for vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A ladle for serving.
- Optional: An immersion blender if you prefer a smoother pea soup texture.
That’s it! Simple kitchen tools, big flavour.
🧑🏾🍳Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pea Soup
Step 1: Prep the vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in the large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, chopped carrots and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Add the peas and liquids
- Add the dried split peas to the pot. Stir to combine with the sautéed veggies.
- Pour in the broth and water. Add the thyme and bay leaf.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Step 3: Simmer and cook
- Cover the pot and let it cook for about 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are tender and starting to break down.
- If using ham or bacon, add the diced meat into the pot about 10 minutes before the end of cooking.
Step 4: Adjust texture (optional)
- For a chunkier pea soup (or stew-like consistency), leave as is.
- For a smoother pea soup, remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup, leaving some texture.
Step 5: Season and finish
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- If the soup is too thick, add a little extra water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the warm pea soup immediately with crusty bread or a side salad.
✅Your Pea Soup is ready to enjoy!🎉

Tips for a Perfect Result ✨
- Use dried split peas – they cook faster and break down nicely for pea soup.
- No need to soak the peas – just rinse them well and you’re good to go.
- Watch the liquid – if the pot starts to dry out, add a little extra water or broth.
- Consistency is up to you – make your pea stew thick and chunky, or silky and smooth, depending on preference.
- For vegetarian or vegan version: Skip the ham/bacon and use vegetable broth for a completely plant-based, healthy pea soup.
- Add a splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavour.
- Leftovers taste even better — the pea soup thickens and flavour deepens overnight, so make extra!
Serving Suggestion 🍽️
Serve your hot pea soup in deep bowls, and consider pairing with:
- Warm, crusty bread or garlic bread – perfect for dipping.
- A simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for contrast.
- A dollop of Greek yoghurt or crème fraîche on top for an extra creamy touch.
- Crispy croutons or toasted nuts (for vegetarian version) if you like texture.
- Leftover pea soup can also be frozen in airtight containers for a quick future meal — handy for busy days.
🌀Variations
- Spicy pea soup: Add chopped chilli or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking for heat.
- Herby pea soup: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, dill or mint just before serving for a fresh twist.
- Pea and ham hock stew: Use a smoked ham hock instead of diced ham. Simmer for longer, remove the bone, shred the meat and return it to the soup.
- Creamy pea soup: After cooking, stir in a splash of coconut milk or light cream for a richer texture (still healthy compared to heavy cream).
- Pea stew with vegetables: Throw in diced potatoes or sweet potatoes, chopped kale or spinach in the last 10 minutes for extra veg-power.
📝Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
(Estimate for about 1 bowl ~ 1 cup)
🔗 Source: USDA FoodData Central – Peas↗
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV) * |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~ 160–210 kcal (Greater Chicago Food Depository) | — |
| Total Fat | ~ 1 g (Greater Chicago Food Depository) | ~1% |
| Saturated Fat | ~ 0.1 g (Greater Chicago Food Depository) | ~1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg (vegetarian version) (Greater Chicago Food Depository) | — |
| Sodium | ~ 230–360 mg (Greater Chicago Food Depository) | ~10-15% |
| Total Carbohydrate | ~ 38 g (Greater Chicago Food Depository) | ~14% |
| Dietary Fibre | ~ 15 g (Greater Chicago Food Depository) | ~54% |
| Protein | ~ 14 g (Greater Chicago Food Depository) | ~28% |
| Iron | ~ 1.4 mg (nutritionvalue.org) | ~8% |
| Potassium | ~ 510 mg (nutritionvalue.org) | ~11% |
Based on a 2,000 kcal daily diet.
🩺Health Benefits and Advice
This easy pea soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrition.
- The dried peas provide plant-based protein and a generous amount of dietary fibre, which helps with digestion, satiety and stable blood sugar. For example, a cup of this kind of soup contains about 15 g of fibre, which is over half the daily value.
- In addition, peas are rich in micronutrients like iron, potassium and B-vitamins. Using vegetable broth and skipping the ham makes this a low-fat and vegetarian-friendly healthy pea soup. Plus, the stew version allows you to incorporate extra vegetables for more vitamins and colour.
Advice:
If you have blood-pressure concerns, watch your sodium intake — using low-sodium broth or reducing added salt can help. Also, if you have kidney issues, the high potassium content (~510 mg) may need to be considered. Overall, this pea stew is a fantastic addition to a balanced diet, delivering comfort and nourishment.
Note: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.
🙋🏾♀️Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use frozen peas instead of dried split peas?
A1: While you can, using frozen green peas will change the texture and cooking time. Dried split peas break down and create that rich, thick consistency we associate with pea soup or pea stew.
Q2: How long does the pea soup last in the fridge?
A2: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavours deepen over time—many say leftovers taste better!
Q3: Can I freeze the pea soup?
A3: Yes! Freeze in individual portions for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed.
Q4: How do I make this pea soup vegan?
A4: Simply skip the ham/bacon and use vegetable broth. You still get all the fibre, protein and warmth without any animal products.
Q5: My pea soup is too thick — what can I do?
A5: Add more broth or water a little at a time and stir until you reach your desired consistency. You can also blend less if you want a chunkier texture.
Final Thought 🥣
This guide on how to make pea soup gives you everything you need: from ingredients and equipment, through step-by-step instructions, to tips, variations and nutritional insights. Whether you’re making this as a quick weekday meal or prepping a batch for busy days, this easy pea soup recipe (or pea stew version) has you covered.
Enjoy your warm bowl of comfort, savour each spoonful and know that you’re nourishing your body as well as your soul. Go ahead — make that homemade pea soup today!
Ready to serve up hearty comfort and health? Bookmark this recipe and share it on Pinterest for later!
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