French Pea Soup Recipe

Pea soup has a long history as a comfort food, with variations across the world, from the hearty, smokey English split pea soups to the rich, creamy versions in Scandinavian kitchens. But one of the most celebrated takes on pea soup comes from France-French Pea Soup, or Soupe de Pois Cassé. The French version has its own unique twist, often incorporating vegetables, aromatic herbs, and sometimes even a bit of ham or bacon for an added depth of flavor.

This dish is the epitome of French culinary simplicity-basic, wholesome ingredients melded together to create something cozy and rich in flavor. Perfect for colder months, French pea soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. It can be served as a starter or as a light main dish, and with a crusty piece of French bread on the side, it truly becomes something special.

So, let’s dive into this easy yet magnificent recipe, exploring everything from the ingredients to some pro tips for perfecting it.

French Pea Soup Recipe

French Pea Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of split peas with a rich broth, vegetables, and sometimes a touch of meat for a deep, savory experience. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make it from scratch.

Ingredients Needed

To make a delicious French Pea Soup, you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients. Here’s the list of basic ingredients that you’ll need:

• Dried split peas (yellow or green) – 1 ½ cups (or about 250g)
• Carrots – 2 medium, peeled and diced
• Leeks – 2, cleaned and sliced (or 1 medium onion as a substitute)
• Celery stalks – 2, chopped
• Garlic cloves – 3, minced
• Herb bouquet (Bouquet Garni) – 1, or a mix of thyme, bay leaves, and parsley stems tied together
• Ham bone or ham hock (optional, for extra flavor) – 1, or about 200g of diced ham
• Vegetable or chicken broth – 4 cups (or more as needed)
• Olive oil – 1 tbsp (for sautéing)
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper – to taste
• Fresh parsley – for garnish
• Lemon juice – a squeeze, for added brightness (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this French Pea Soup:

1. Prepare the Peas: Start by rinsing the dried split peas under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, chopped celery, and leeks (or onions). Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender and the leeks soften. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, releasing the fragrant aroma.
3. Add Broth and Peas: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Add the rinsed split peas and the herb bouquet. If you’re using a ham bone or ham hock, add that in now for a richer flavor.
4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the peas are fully softened and starting to break down. Stir occasionally and add more water or broth if the soup is too thick.
5. Blend the Soup: Once the peas are soft and the flavors have melded together, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and velvety. You can also transfer it in batches to a countertop blender. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend it just a little or leave some peas whole.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Ingredient Insights

• Split Peas: The star of the dish, split peas are dried peas that have been split in half. They come in yellow or green varieties, and both work perfectly for this recipe. Yellow split peas tend to have a slightly sweeter flavor, while green split peas have a more earthy, savory taste. They are high in protein and fiber, making this soup both filling and nutritious.
• Leeks: A member of the onion family, leeks bring a delicate sweetness to the soup. Their flavor is more subtle than regular onions, offering a more refined depth. If leeks are hard to find, you can substitute them with onions, but be sure to adjust the amount as onions are more pungent.
• Ham Bone/Hock: This is optional, but adding a ham bone or a hock to the soup is a game-changer. It infuses the broth with smoky, meaty goodness. If you’re a vegetarian or want a lighter version of the soup, you can simply omit this and go for a vegetarian broth.
• Bouquet Garni: This is a bundle of herbs tied together (or in a muslin bag), often used to flavor broths and soups. In this recipe, it typically includes thyme, parsley stems, and a couple of bay leaves. It’s easy to make, or you can find pre-packaged versions in some stores.

Expert Tips

• Soak the Peas: Although not strictly necessary, soaking the split peas overnight can reduce the cooking time and help them break down more easily. This step also improves digestibility.
• For a Creamier Texture: If you prefer a creamier texture, add a small potato (peeled and diced) along with the peas. The potato will blend in smoothly and make the soup even richer.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon: The fresh squeeze of lemon at the end of cooking is optional but highly recommended. The acid balances the soup’s richness and enhances the flavors.
• Make It Ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It’s perfect for batch cooking or meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Recipe Variations

While the classic French pea soup recipe is delicious as is, there are several variations you can try depending on what you have in your pantry or personal preferences.

• Vegetarian Version: Simply omit the ham bone or hock and use a good quality vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For extra protein, consider adding some tofu or beans like white beans or cannellini beans.
• Add a Splash of Cream: For a more indulgent version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche right before serving. This will add an extra layer of richness and make the soup even more luxurious.
• Spicy Twist: Add a touch of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and smokiness. This twist is particularly delightful if you’re looking to spice things up a bit.
• Herb Variations: While the traditional bouquet garni works beautifully, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to impart different flavor profiles to your soup.

Final Words

French Pea Soup is a dish that perfectly captures the essence of French cuisine: simple, delicious, and deeply satisfying. It’s a perfect example of how you don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients to create something incredibly flavorful and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner, this soup has a way of making everyone feel at home.