Goya Pea Soup Recipe

Goya Pea Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dish that has gained a special place in kitchens across the world, particularly in Puerto Rican and Latin American homes. This dish brings together the simplicity of split peas and the richness of spices, making it a perfect comfort food for all seasons.

The beauty of Goya Pea Soup lies in its adaptability. Whether you prefer a simple, no-frills version or one with a bit more flair, it’s an easy recipe to make, with ingredients that are accessible and straightforward. With the help of Goya’s pre-seasoned products, the recipe becomes even more accessible and the flavors richer.

In this post, we will dive into the recipe, explain each ingredient’s role, provide some expert tips, and give you ideas for variations you can try. Let’s get cooking!

Goya Pea Soup Recipe

This recipe is a classic, offering a perfect balance between a smooth, velvety soup texture and a deliciously chunky bite of vegetables. It’s a nourishing bowl of goodness that combines the earthiness of split peas with savory flavors of ham, vegetables, and a variety of spices, creating an irresistible comfort food.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 bag of Goya Split Peas (typically around 16 oz)
• 1 tablespoon Goya Olive Oil (or any other vegetable oil)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 ham bone (or 2 cups of diced ham)
• 6 cups chicken broth (or water, depending on preference)
• 1 teaspoon Goya Adobo Seasoning (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional for added warmth)
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional)
• Lime wedges (optional for serving)

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have the ingredients ready, it’s time to get to the fun part: cooking!

1. Prepare The Peas

   • Start by rinsing the split peas under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove any dirt or impurities. Set the peas aside to drain.

2. Cook The Vegetables

   • In a large pot, heat the Goya Olive Oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

3. Add The Ham

   • If you’re using a ham bone, add it to the pot. If you prefer diced ham, add it at this stage as well. The ham will release its savory, smoky flavor, infusing the soup with depth.

4. Add The Split Peas

   • Pour the rinsed peas into the pot with the vegetables and ham. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Add Broth And Spices

   • Add the chicken broth (or water) to the pot. Stir in the Adobo seasoning, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.

6. Simmer

   • Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the split peas are tender and have broken down. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

7. Taste And Adjust Seasoning

   • Once the soup has thickened and the peas have softened, taste it for seasoning. Adjust the salt, pepper, or additional Adobo seasoning to your liking.

8. Finish And Serve

   • Remove the bay leaf and discard it. If using a ham bone, remove it now and shred any remaining ham to stir back into the soup. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley, and a wedge of lime on the side for that zesty kick.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the soup’s depth of flavor and texture.

• Split Peas: The foundation of the soup. They are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, providing both a hearty texture and an earthy, subtle flavor. Split peas tend to break down as they cook, thickening the soup and creating a creamy consistency.
• Ham: Whether using a bone or diced ham, this adds a smoky, savory element that defines the heartiness of the soup. The ham bone, in particular, imparts an incredible depth of flavor as it simmers, creating a rich broth.
• Goya Adobo Seasoning: This is a must-have seasoning in Latin cuisine. It’s a perfect blend of garlic, onion, and other spices that enhance every element in the soup, bringing a savory umami flavor.
• Vegetables (Carrot, Celery, Onion): These vegetables not only contribute nutrients but also serve as a flavor base for the soup. Their natural sweetness balances the savory notes of the ham and spices.
• Chicken Broth: The broth brings everything together, providing the liquid base for the soup. It can be swapped with water, but chicken broth adds an extra layer of richness that elevates the overall flavor.

Expert Tips

Making the perfect Goya Pea Soup isn’t just about following the recipe. Here are some tips from the pros to ensure your soup turns out amazing every time:

• Soak the Peas (Optional): Although it’s not necessary, soaking split peas overnight can reduce cooking time. This also helps make them easier to digest.
• Use a Ham Bone for Extra Flavor: If you can find one, a ham bone adds incredible flavor to the soup. As it simmers, it releases collagen, making the broth more rich and silky.
• Adjust Thickness: If your soup turns out too thick, just add a little more broth or water to achieve the consistency you like. For a thicker, heartier version, you can blend part of the soup to make it creamier.
• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! The flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight. So, if you have time, make it a day ahead.
• Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley on top adds a fresh, zesty kick. And a squeeze of lime right before eating can elevate the flavors even more.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Goya Pea Soup recipe is delicious as is, there are countless variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham entirely and use vegetable broth. You can still get a rich, hearty soup by adding extra vegetables like potatoes or zucchini. For protein, try adding lentils or a can of beans.
• Spicy Goya Pea Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also include a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a fiery kick.
• Smoky Twist: Add smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to bring a smoky flavor without using ham.
• Greens: Stir in some chopped spinach, kale, or collard greens toward the end of cooking for an added dose of vitamins and a pop of color.

Final Words

Goya Pea Soup is one of those timeless, comforting dishes that doesn’t just fill your stomach, it also brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. With its balance of flavors, nourishing ingredients, and rich history in Latin cuisine, it’s a perfect meal for any time of year.

Whether you’re cooking for family or simply craving something cozy on a chilly evening, this soup will always be a crowd-pleaser. It’s also incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors.