Habitant Pea Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a warm, hearty dish to brighten a cold day, Habitant Pea Soup is the answer. Known for its simplicity and comforting flavor, this Canadian classic has been a favorite for generations. It’s a dish that brings together basic ingredients like split peas, ham, and vegetables, but when combined in the right way, it transforms into a flavorful, rich, and filling soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Pea soup isn’t just about taste; it’s steeped in tradition. Historically, it was a staple for French-Canadian settlers, particularly in Quebec, where it was often cooked in large batches to feed families during the harsh winters. Today, it remains a beloved dish, often served as a staple in homes across Canada and beyond. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, it’s a soup that always satisfies.

In this post, we’ll take you through a step-by-step breakdown of the Habitant Pea Soup Recipe so you can create this masterpiece yourself, along with expert tips and variations to make it your own.

Habitant Pea Soup Recipe

Making Habitant Pea Soup is as easy as it is rewarding. With its rustic flavor and tender texture, it’s the kind of soup that brings people together. Follow this recipe to get that delicious, creamy consistency with tender peas, smoky ham, and fresh veggies. The best part? It’s incredibly flexible-add in ingredients or make adjustments according to your preferences, and you’ll always get a mouthwatering result.

Here’s the classic Habitant Pea Soup recipe that brings the warmth and flavor of Canada right to your kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

Before we dive into the steps, here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to gather:

• 2 cups dried green split peas: The foundation of your soup. These peas break down beautifully and thicken the broth as they cook.
• 1 ham bone or 2 cups of cubed ham: For that smoky, savory flavor that defines this soup. The bone adds a depth of flavor as it simmers.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Onion gives a lovely, subtle sweetness to the broth, while providing a savory base.
• 2 medium carrots, chopped: These add a bit of sweetness and color, balancing out the peas’ earthiness.
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped: Celery brings freshness and a slight crunch that enhances the texture.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: A touch of garlic never hurts to bring a fragrant depth of flavor.
• 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid base, which complements the peas and ham while giving a rich flavor.
• 1 bay leaf: For subtle herbal notes that elevate the overall taste.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: A classic herb that pairs wonderfully with peas and ham.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance the flavors.
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional): For sautéing the vegetables, adding a little richness to the soup.

Cooking Instructions

This recipe isn’t difficult, but it does require patience as the flavors develop over time. Here’s how you can make the perfect Habitant Pea Soup:

1. Prepare The Peas

   • Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or impurities.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and become aromatic.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant.

3. Combine The Ingredients

   • Add the rinsed split peas to the pot, stirring everything together.
   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the bay leaf and dried thyme.
   • If you’re using a ham bone, add that now; otherwise, toss in the cubed ham.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Bring everything to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 1 ½ to 2 hours.
   • Stir occasionally and skim off any foam or impurities that may rise to the surface. You’ll know the soup is done when the peas are tender and starting to break down, and the broth has thickened.

5. Final Touches

   • If you used a ham bone, remove it from the soup and shred the meat from the bone. Return the meat to the soup and discard the bone.
   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you like, garnish with a bit of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the key ingredients will give you a greater appreciation of what makes this soup so delicious:

• Split peas: The star of the show. Split peas break down during cooking, thickening the soup naturally without the need for a flour-based thickener. They’re also packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
• Ham bone: While optional, the ham bone adds richness and smokiness that’s hard to replicate. As it simmers, it imparts a deep, savory flavor to the broth, making each spoonful a comforting delight.
• Carrots, celery, and onion: Known as the “mirepoix”, this trio forms the flavor base for many classic soups. The sweetness from the carrots, the earthy crunch from the celery, and the aromatic depth from the onion all come together beautifully here.
• Herbs (bay leaf and thyme): These herbs are the unsung heroes of the soup. Bay leaf adds a subtle, aromatic depth, while thyme’s earthy flavor complements the peas and ham.

Expert Tips

• Soak the peas: While soaking isn’t necessary with split peas, it can help them cook faster and even reduce the chance of them splitting too much. If you decide to soak them, let them sit in water for a few hours or overnight, then drain before adding them to the pot.
• Flavor boosting: If you want to intensify the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a small dash of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking. It brightens the broth and balances out the richness.
• Texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to purée a portion of the soup after it’s cooked. This will create a creamier texture while still leaving some chunks for character.
• Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for later. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container once it has cooled down.

Recipe Variations

Habitant Pea Soup is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Vegetarian version: Skip the ham bone or ham cubes and replace the broth with vegetable stock. You can also add some extra herbs like rosemary for an aromatic twist.
• Spicy version: Add a chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to introduce some heat. The spiciness complements the sweetness of the peas and carrots beautifully.
• Herb-packed version: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage, which pair excellently with peas and ham. A little fresh parsley sprinkled on top can also add a refreshing contrast.
• Smoked sausage: If you want a variation on the ham, smoked sausage can bring a similar depth of flavor but with a different kind of smokiness.

Final Words

Habitant Pea Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting tradition that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re following the recipe to the letter or experimenting with your own spin, the essence of this soup-rich, earthy, and deeply satisfying-remains the same. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying in solitude with a good book.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity, allowing the ingredients to shine through. It’s a dish that’s not just about food-it’s about the experience of sharing a comforting bowl with friends and family, or savoring it on your own after a long day.