Dry Peas Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting, and nutritious meals, dry peas soup is a must-try. It’s a classic dish that’s been a staple in many households for generations, particularly in colder climates where it’s a go-to for staying warm and full. Dry peas soup, also known as split pea soup, is packed with flavor, fiber, and protein. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity-using just a handful of ingredients, it creates a rich, thick, and filling meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.

What makes dry peas soup stand out is its versatility and ability to be customized to suit various tastes. You can make it vegan, add smoked meat for extra depth, or experiment with spices to make it your own. Whether you’re looking to embrace tradition or get creative, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive deep into how to make this soup, the key ingredients that elevate the flavor, and how you can tweak it to match your preferences.

This recipe will guide you step-by-step to make a rich, satisfying bowl of dry peas soup from scratch. It’s simple, but so rewarding. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked. Below, I’ve broken everything down into easy-to-follow steps.

Ingredients Needed

1 Pound Dried Split Peas

These are the star of the show! Dried split peas are split yellow or green peas, and they soften and break down beautifully when cooked, creating that thick, creamy texture that makes this soup so indulgent.
1 medium onion (chopped)

Onion adds a savory base and depth of flavor to the soup. It’s the starting point for that aromatic foundation.
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Garlic brings in a subtle warmth and richness. It’s perfect for rounding out the overall flavor profile.
2 medium carrots (diced)

Carrots not only provide a lovely sweetness but also give the soup a nice textural contrast with the peas.
2 celery stalks (chopped)

Celery offers a refreshing crunch and a nice herbal note that balances out the richness of the peas.
1 Bay Leaf

Bay leaves are a simple, but crucial addition that lends a subtle herbal, slightly floral aroma to the soup.
6 Cups Vegetable Or Chicken Broth

The broth is the liquid that brings everything together. Vegetable broth keeps it light, while chicken broth gives it a bit more depth and umami. You can even use water, but broth makes it extra flavorful.
1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme

Thyme adds a hint of earthiness that pairs so well with the peas and veggies.
Salt and pepper (to taste)

These are the basics for seasoning. You can also adjust this depending on how bold you want the soup to be.
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil Or Butter

For sautéing the vegetables at the start, adding a little fat helps to bring out the flavor.
Optional Add-ins
- Smoked ham or bacon for a smoky flavor
- Red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Potatoes for added creaminess

Cooking Instructions

Prepare The Split Peas

Start by rinsing the dried split peas thoroughly. Make sure to remove any debris or small stones that could have ended up in the bag. After rinsing, you don’t need to soak them overnight, as they will cook down perfectly fine in the soup.
Sauté The Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re soft and fragrant. This step helps build the flavor base for the soup.
Add The Carrots And Celery

Toss in the diced carrots and celery, cooking them for another 5 minutes. The veggies will soften and add some color and sweetness to the soup.
Combine The Rest Of The Ingredients

Stir in the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth (or chicken broth), bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and check the consistency.
Blend (Optional)

Once the peas are soft and the soup has thickened, you can either leave it chunky or use an immersion blender to blend some or all of it for a smoother texture. I personally like leaving it a little chunky for texture, but you can blend it to your desired consistency.
Season And Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a richer flavor, you can add a bit of smoked meat at this stage (smoked ham or bacon works great). Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Ingredient Insights

Dried Split Peas

Split peas are a powerhouse of nutrition. They’re full of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like folate and potassium. Not only do they make the soup hearty and filling, but they also provide a significant nutritional boost.
Carrots And Celery

These two veggies add a fresh, natural sweetness to balance out the earthy flavor of the peas. Plus, they bring fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to the table. Carrots are especially good for your eyes, thanks to the beta-carotene they provide.
Herbs And Spices

The thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper create a delicate seasoning profile, giving your soup that comforting "home-cooked" feel. Adding fresh herbs like parsley as a garnish can elevate the dish, offering a burst of freshness right when you serve it.
Broth

The type of broth you use plays a significant role in the soup’s flavor. Vegetable broth is light and subtle, allowing the peas to shine, while chicken broth brings a savory richness. Choose whichever works best with your dietary preferences and flavor profile.

Expert Tips

Make It Ahead

Split pea soup actually gets better with time. The flavors meld and deepen as it sits. So, consider making a batch in advance and letting it sit in the fridge overnight. Just give it a good stir and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Add Smoked Meat For Extra Flavor

A ham hock, smoked turkey, or bacon can really elevate the soup, adding an incredible smoky depth. You can add the smoked meat early on to let it infuse the broth with its flavor.
Blend For Creaminess

If you prefer a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup. The split peas naturally break down and thicken the soup, but blending it brings an extra layer of creaminess.
Adjust Consistency

If your soup gets too thick, simply add more broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency. Split peas absorb a lot of liquid, so be ready to add more as it cooks.

Recipe Variations

Vegan Split Pea Soup

For a vegan version, simply omit any meat, and use vegetable broth as the base. You can add in a little liquid smoke to mimic that smoky flavor.
Spicy Split Pea Soup

If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes, chili powder, or diced jalapeños. These spices will kick up the flavor and give your soup a bit of a zing.
Chunky Vs. Smooth

Some people prefer a rustic, chunky texture, while others want it silky smooth. You can blend the soup until smooth or leave some chunks intact for more texture.
Add Potatoes

Potatoes are an excellent addition to this soup. They make the soup even creamier when blended, and they add extra heartiness.

Final Words

Dry peas soup is one of those recipes that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying. With its combination of simple, wholesome ingredients and versatility, it’s a meal that can adapt to whatever you have on hand or whatever mood you’re in. Whether you prefer it smoky and meaty or fresh and light, this recipe is a great base to build from. The best part? It’s the kind of dish that only gets better the longer it sits, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Dry Peas Soup Recipe