Dried Green Peas Soup Recipe

If you’ve never tried dried green pea soup, you’re in for a treat! This dish is a powerhouse of comfort and nutrition, combining earthy, hearty flavors with simple ingredients that pack a punch. Dried green peas have been a staple in kitchens worldwide for centuries, and for good reason-they’re affordable, versatile, and packed with protein and fiber. When you cook them into a delicious soup, you get a nourishing meal that’s filling, satisfying, and can be customized in so many ways.

In this article, I’ll walk you through a delicious dried green peas soup recipe, complete with everything you need to know, from the ingredients to tips and variations to make this dish uniquely yours. By the end, you’ll be ready to prepare this soul-warming soup and impress everyone with your cooking skills.

Dried Green Peas Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the list of simple ingredients you’ll need to create your own bowl of comfort:

• 1 ½ cups dried green peas – Make sure to rinse them thoroughly before cooking.
• 8 cups water or vegetable broth – Water works fine, but for more depth of flavor, vegetable broth is an excellent choice.
• 1 medium onion, chopped – Onion brings in that sweet and savory base flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a punch of aroma and complexity to the soup.
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced – Sweetness and color-plus, they give the soup a little crunch.
• 2 stalks celery, chopped – Celery adds a subtle, fresh, and aromatic taste that balances the richness of the peas.
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – Potatoes thicken the soup and add creaminess without needing cream.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – A warm, earthy spice that complements the peas perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – A classic herb that brings a savory and slightly floral undertone.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a gentle kick of heat.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter – For sautéing your vegetables and creating that luscious base.
• 1 bay leaf – For a deeper, aromatic flavor.
• Optional toppings: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Peas: Rinse the dried green peas in cold water, removing any debris or damaged peas. Set them aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
3. Add the Broth and Peas: Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed green peas, diced potatoes, cumin, thyme, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally and check the peas for doneness.
5. Final Seasoning and Toppings: Once the peas are soft and the soup has thickened, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. For a creamy texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or in a regular blender (just be careful to let it cool slightly before blending). For added brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice or fresh herbs like parsley make a lovely garnish.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, add your desired toppings, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this delicious soup.

Ingredient Insights

• Dried Green Peas: Green peas are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. They’re an excellent source of iron and folate, making them a fantastic choice for vegetarians and those looking to boost their iron intake. When dried, they have a long shelf life and are perfect for creating a meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
• Broth vs. Water: Using vegetable broth instead of water adds a layer of flavor that really enhances the soup. Broth is essentially a savory stock made from vegetables, which infuses the soup with richness. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can opt for a low-sodium broth or make your own at home.
• Potatoes: Potatoes serve two purposes in this soup. First, they provide a creamy texture as they break down during cooking. Second, they help balance the earthiness of the peas with a mild, starchy flavor. They’re great at thickening up the soup without needing cream or flour.
• Herbs and Spices: Cumin, thyme, and bay leaves are common in many hearty soups and stews. Cumin gives the dish a warm, nutty flavor, while thyme adds a slightly floral undertone. Bay leaves enhance the savory depth of the soup. Together, they form the perfect aromatic base for the soup, complementing the natural sweetness of the peas and carrots.

Expert Tips

• Soaking the Peas: While soaking dried peas overnight isn’t necessary (since they cook relatively quickly), if you want to reduce cooking time, you can soak them for 6-8 hours. This helps soften them and can make the cooking process faster. Just be sure to drain and rinse the peas well before adding them to the pot.
• Adjusting Consistency: This soup can be made as thick or as thin as you prefer. For a thicker soup, let it cook longer so the peas break down more. If you like a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender to create a creamy base. If it’s too thick, simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Flavor Development: Like most soups, this one gets better the longer it sits. If you’re planning to make it ahead, let it sit overnight in the fridge and reheat it the next day for deeper, more developed flavors.
• Frozen Peas as a Substitute: If you don’t have dried peas on hand, you can use frozen green peas. However, frozen peas cook much faster, so they’ll need far less time-just add them toward the end of the cooking process and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Smoky Pea Soup: For a smoky twist, try adding some smoked paprika or smoked sausage (or a vegetarian version using smoked tempeh or tofu) to your soup. This adds a layer of depth that pairs wonderfully with the peas.
• Spicy Green Pea Soup: If you like a little heat, throw in some chili flakes or finely diced jalapeño peppers. A drizzle of hot sauce just before serving can also add a zing that contrasts the creamy texture.
• Vegan Option: This recipe can easily be made vegan by using olive oil instead of butter and ensuring that your vegetable broth is plant-based. You could also add coconut milk for a slightly sweet and creamy version.
• Hearty Meat Lover’s Soup: For a meatier version, consider adding some diced ham or bacon to the soup while sautéing the vegetables. The fat from the meat will enrich the broth, creating a deeper flavor profile.

Final Words

Dried green peas soup is the epitome of comfort food-it’s simple, hearty, and utterly satisfying. The peas provide a solid base of flavor while the vegetables offer a mix of sweetness and freshness. And with the right blend of spices, you’ll find yourself with a soup that’s warm and cozy, perfect for any time of the year. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with a crusty bread for dipping, this soup is sure to become a go-to favorite.