French Canadian Pea Soup Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day, and when it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to the rich, hearty goodness of French Canadian Pea Soup. Known as "Soupe aux Pois," this dish is a staple in Quebecois cuisine, beloved for its simple ingredients and deeply satisfying flavors. It’s the kind of soup that brings people together, whether it’s enjoyed on a cold winter evening or as part of a family gathering.

Pea soup, in its various forms, is enjoyed in many cultures, but the French Canadian version stands out due to its history and unique flavor profile. Traditionally made with split peas, ham, and root vegetables, it’s a dish that speaks to both frugality and comfort, perfect for stretching a meal while still delivering big flavor.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the recipe for making French Canadian Pea Soup, dive deep into the ingredients, and explore some expert tips, variations, and more. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on this flavorful journey!

French Canadian Pea Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried yellow split peas
• 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Peas

   • Start by rinsing the dried split peas under cold water to remove any dust or debris. No soaking required! Just rinse and set them aside.

2. Sauté The Veggies

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

3. Add Garlic And Herbs

   • Toss in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Let the mixture cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their flavors.

4. Incorporate The Ham And Peas

   • Add the rinsed split peas and the ham bone (or diced ham) to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.

5. Add The Broth

   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the ingredients are covered. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender and the ham has imparted its flavor to the broth.

6. Season

   • Once the peas are cooked and the soup has thickened, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you’re using a ham bone, be cautious with the salt, as the bone will add some saltiness.

7. Serve

   • Remove the ham bone (if using), and shred any remaining ham from the bone to stir back into the soup. Discard the bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of color and freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the key ingredients that make French Canadian Pea Soup stand out will help you appreciate this dish even more.

• Yellow Split Peas

  • The star of the show! These peas break down during cooking, thickening the soup and creating a velvety, creamy texture. Yellow split peas are slightly sweeter than green peas, making them ideal for this rich, hearty soup. They also provide a good source of protein and fiber.

• Ham Bone Or Ham

  • The ham bone is essential in creating the deep, savory flavor that defines this soup. When simmered, it releases a subtle smokiness and richness into the broth. If you’re using diced ham, you’ll still get that savory punch but with a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

• Root Vegetables (Carrots And Celery)

  • These veggies contribute a slight sweetness and depth to the soup. Celery adds a crispness that balances out the richness of the ham and peas, while carrots bring an earthiness that complements the other ingredients.

• Herbs And Aromatics

  • The garlic, thyme, and bay leaf round out the flavors, adding a savory, herbal dimension that doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients. These herbs infuse the broth with a subtle fragrance that elevates the overall taste.

• Chicken Or Vegetable Broth

  • A flavorful broth is crucial to creating a rich base for the soup. Chicken broth provides a meaty, umami-packed base, while vegetable broth offers a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option.

Expert Tips

To ensure your French Canadian Pea Soup is both delicious and authentically prepared, here are a few expert tips:

• Don’t Rush The Cooking Process

  • While it may be tempting to speed things up, low and slow is the way to go. The peas need time to break down, and the longer the soup simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. Let the ingredients meld together slowly for the best taste.

• Ham Bone Vs. Diced Ham

  • If you can get your hands on a ham bone, definitely go for it! It imparts an incomparable depth of flavor. However, if you’re in a pinch, diced ham works just as well. You can even use smoked ham to give the soup an additional layer of smoky goodness.

• Consistency

  • The soup should have a thick, almost stew-like consistency. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

• Rest Before Serving

  • Like many soups and stews, this pea soup tastes even better the next day. If possible, make it ahead of time and let it rest overnight. The flavors have a chance to develop and meld together, giving you an even more robust flavor the following day.

Recipe Variations

While the classic French Canadian version is absolutely delicious on its own, here are some fun variations you can try to put your own spin on this dish:

• Vegetarian Version

  • Simply omit the ham or ham bone, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor of ham.

• Spicy Kick

  • Add a chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This works especially well if you’re using the vegetarian version and want to add some excitement to the flavor.

• Herbaceous Twist

  • If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, try adding a few sprigs of rosemary or sage during the simmering process. These herbs will infuse the soup with an aromatic, earthy depth.

• Potato Addition

  • Some variations of pea soup include adding diced potatoes for extra heartiness. The potatoes help thicken the soup even further and add a nice, creamy texture when they break down.

Final Words

French Canadian Pea Soup is much more than just a soup; it’s a comforting bowl of history, flavor, and tradition. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or making a cozy meal for yourself, it’s guaranteed to warm you up and fill your kitchen with tantalizing aromas. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each element to shine, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.