Field Pea Soup Recipe

When it comes to hearty, comforting meals that warm both the body and soul, few dishes rival the richness and heartiness of a classic field pea soup. This dish, with its earthy, slightly nutty flavor, is a staple in many households, especially in regions where field peas grow abundantly. The beauty of field pea soup lies not just in its flavors but also in its versatility. It can be customized based on your tastes, dietary restrictions, or what you have lying around in the pantry.

If you’re new to the idea of field peas, think of them as cousins to the more common garden pea but with a slightly different texture and more complex flavor profile. They’re rich in protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients, making them a perfect base for a filling, satisfying meal.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe, share some interesting insights about the ingredients, and provide tips to elevate the soup to the next level. By the end, you’ll be ready to make a bowl of field pea soup that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table.

Field Pea Soup Recipe

Here’s a straightforward yet flavorful recipe for field pea soup that you can easily whip up with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this recipe is a great choice for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb field peas (dried)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds depth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1-2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for a touch of acidity)
• 1 cup spinach or kale (optional, for added greens)
• 1 potato, peeled and diced (optional, for extra texture)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak The Field Peas

   • Start by soaking your dried field peas overnight in cold water. This helps soften them, making them easier to cook and digest. If you don’t have the time for an overnight soak, a quick soak method works just as well-just bring the peas to a boil, then remove from heat and let them sit for about an hour.

2. Prepare Your Vegetables

   • Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. If you’re adding potato or leafy greens like spinach or kale, get those ready too. The vegetables are the backbone of this soup, so having them prepped will make your cooking process much smoother.

3. Sauté The Vegetables

   • Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the kitchen starts to smell amazing.

4. Add The Field Peas

   • Drain and rinse the soaked field peas. Add them to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together for another minute or so to combine the flavors.

5. Simmer The Soup

   • Add your broth (vegetable or chicken) to the pot. Toss in the bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook, uncovered, for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.

6. Final Touches

   • If you’re adding greens, toss them into the soup about 10 minutes before it’s done to allow them to wilt and soften. For a touch of brightness and acidity, add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar just before serving. Taste for seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

7. Serve And Garnish

   • Once your soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. A slice of crusty bread on the side wouldn’t hurt either!

Ingredient Insights

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but there’s also so much to learn about the ingredients. Here’s a deeper look at some of the key components:

• Field Peas: These little legumes are nutrient-packed. High in protein, fiber, and minerals, field peas provide a rich, satisfying base for the soup. They’re also low in fat, which makes them a great choice for health-conscious eaters. Field peas have a slightly nutty taste that stands out compared to more common peas, like green or yellow split peas.
• Smoked Paprika: This spice brings a smoky depth to the soup that mimics the effect of long-cooked meats, which can be particularly valuable if you’re trying to keep the recipe vegetarian or vegan but still want that rich, savory flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a small splash of apple cider vinegar adds acidity, which can help balance the richness of the soup. The vinegar cuts through the earthiness of the peas, giving the whole dish a fresh lift.
• Leafy Greens (Spinach/Kale): While optional, adding a handful of greens to your soup not only boosts its nutritional value but also adds color and texture. Kale, in particular, offers a bit of bite and a healthy dose of vitamin K.

Expert Tips

• Soaking the Peas: If you forget to soak your field peas overnight, don’t worry. The quick-soak method (boiling and resting) works just as effectively. You can also use canned field peas to save time, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich as from dried peas.
• Blend for Creaminess: If you prefer a creamy soup, you can blend a portion of the soup (about half) using an immersion blender. This will create a smooth, velvety texture while keeping some of the peas whole for that rustic feel.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the soup thickens too much during cooking, simply add more broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
• Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices such as cumin, coriander, or even a pinch of chili flakes if you like some heat. Adding a cinnamon stick during cooking can also introduce a subtle warmth that complements the smoky paprika.

Recipe Variations

• Add Meat: If you’re not vegetarian, you can easily add smoked sausage, ham hocks, or bacon to the soup for extra flavor. Simply sauté the meat along with the vegetables in step 3, or throw in ham hocks during the simmering phase and remove them later.
• Use Different Broths: While vegetable broth is perfect for vegetarians, chicken or even beef broth can elevate the soup if you prefer a heartier, meat-based flavor.
• Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. You could also experiment with cayenne pepper or chili powder for a different heat profile.
• Herb Variations: If you don’t have thyme, you can use rosemary, sage, or oregano instead. These herbs bring their own unique fragrance to the soup, but thyme is the most traditional choice.

Final Words

Field pea soup is one of those recipes that offers both simplicity and versatility. The slow-cooked flavors of the peas combined with savory vegetables create a rich base that’s sure to satisfy even the most ravenous appetites. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or customize it to your liking, you can rest assured that you’re making a meal that’s nourishing and full of taste.

This soup is perfect for chilly days when you want something hearty and fulfilling, but it’s also an ideal dish to make in big batches for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge for several days and actually improves in flavor as it sits.