yellow pea soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
yellow pea soup recipe
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The Best yellow pea soup recipe

I’ve been making yellow pea soup for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

I love how it warms up the whole house with its comforting aroma, and my family always looks forward to it. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit everyone’s taste.

My kids love it because it’s like a big hug in a bowl, and my husband appreciates the fact that it’s packed with nutrients. We often serve it with some crusty bread or crackers on the side, which makes it feel like a proper meal.

I’ve also experimented with different variations over the years, like adding some smoky paprika for extra depth or using chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. The result is always delicious and satisfying.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, yellow pea soup is always a good idea. It’s also great for meal prep, as you can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for later.

I like to think that this recipe has been passed down through generations of home cooks, each one adding their own twist to make it their own. It’s a true comfort food that never fails to put a smile on our faces.

Classic Yellow Pea Soup

Classic Yellow Pea Soup

4.6 from 685 votes

A hearty and comforting soup made from dried yellow split peas, simmered with aromatic vegetables and ham hock for a rich, smoky flavor. This traditional recipe is perfect for a cold day and yields a thick, satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups dried yellow split peas, rinsed
1 ham hock (about 1 lb) or 2 ham shanks
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

For Garnish (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped
Croutons or crusty bread

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the rinsed yellow split peas, ham hock, diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic into a large soup pot.
2Add the chicken broth, water, bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper.
3Stir everything together to combine.
4Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
5Let it simmer gently for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the split peas are very tender and falling apart and the ham hock is cooked through.
6Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7Remove the ham hock from the pot and set it on a cutting board.
8When cool enough to handle, pull the meat from the bone, discarding any fat, skin, and bones.
9Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
10Return the shredded ham to the soup and stir well.
11Discard the bay leaf.
12Taste the soup and add salt if needed, keeping in mind the ham may already be salty.
13For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunky bits.
14Alternatively, leave it as is for a rustic consistency.
15Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and croutons if desired.
16Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large soup pot or Dutch oven (at least 5 quarts)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 18g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth. Add 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor. The soup thickens as it cools; thin with additional broth or water when reheating.

Watch Video Of How Classic Yellow Pea Soup Works

Yellow pea soup is one of those recipes that never fails to please, whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck dinner. It’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit any occasion or taste preference.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to make ahead – simply cook the peas and store them in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to reheat and serve. If you’re planning to store your leftover yellow pea soup in the fridge for later use, be sure to label and date the container so you know exactly what you’re looking at when reheating.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow Pea Soup

Q: How do I reheat yellow pea soup without losing its flavor?

A: To reheat yellow pea soup without losing its flavor, try using the stovetop method over low heat while constantly stirring the soup until warmed through.

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