Classic Pea Soup Recipe: Easy Homemade Version in 30 Minutes

The best pea soup recipe combines fresh or frozen peas with aromatic vegetables, vegetable or chicken broth, and herbs for a creamy, satisfying soup ready in under 30 minutes. This simple recipe yields a thick, flavorful soup without needing cream—just sauté onions and garlic, simmer with peas and broth, then blend for perfect texture every time.

Why This Pea Soup Recipe Works

Creating exceptional pea soup doesn't require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The magic happens when you properly balance the natural sweetness of peas with savory aromatics. Unlike many recipes that rely on heavy cream for thickness, this method uses the peas' natural starches to create a luxuriously creamy texture while keeping the soup light and fresh-tasting.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pea Soup

The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final flavor. Here's what you'll need for the best homemade pea soup:

Ingredient	Quantity	Why It Matters
Fresh or frozen peas	2 lbs (900g)	Fresh peas work in season; frozen maintain consistent quality year-round
Yellow onion, diced	1 medium	Provides foundational sweetness without overpowering
Garlic cloves, minced	2	Adds depth without sharpness when properly sautéed
Vegetable or chicken broth	4 cups	Low-sodium ensures proper seasoning control
Fresh mint or parsley	2 tbsp chopped	Brings brightness that complements pea flavor
Olive oil or butter	2 tbsp	Creates flavor base for aromatics

Step-by-Step Pea Soup Preparation

Follow these simple steps for restaurant-quality pea soup at home:

1. Sweat the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt, cooking until translucent (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add peas and liquid: Stir in peas and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer—avoid boiling which can make peas mushy.
3. Simmer for flavor development: Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until peas are tender. The soup should reduce slightly for concentrated flavor.
4. Blend to creamy perfection: Use an immersion blender to puree 75% of the soup, leaving some texture. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a countertop blender (cool slightly first).
5. Finish with fresh herbs: Stir in chopped mint or parsley just before serving to preserve bright flavor.

Pro Tips for Better Pea Soup Every Time

Avoid these common mistakes that ruin otherwise good pea soup:

• Don't overcook the peas – Remove from heat when peas are just tender to maintain vibrant green color
• Season in layers – Add a pinch of salt with onions, then adjust at the end for balanced flavor
• Cool slightly before blending – Prevents steam pressure from making hot soup explode from the blender
• Add acid at the end – A squeeze of lemon juice brightens flavors without cooking off
• Reserve some whole peas – Stir in at the end for appealing texture contrast

Delicious Pea Soup Variations

Customize this basic recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:

Traditional Split Pea Soup with Ham

For a heartier version, substitute 1 cup dried split peas (rinsed) for fresh peas. Add 4 oz diced smoked ham hock with the onions. Simmer 45-60 minutes until peas completely break down. Perfect for cold weather.

Creamy Vegan Pea Soup

Use vegetable broth and replace any dairy with 1/4 cup coconut milk added after blending. Top with toasted pine nuts for richness without animal products.

Spring Pea Soup with Mint

Use fresh peas when in season and double the mint. Garnish with edible flowers for an elegant presentation that highlights spring flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Elevate your pea soup from simple to special with these serving ideas:

• Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for tangy contrast
• Garnish with microgreens or pea shoots for freshness
• Serve with crusty bread for dipping or grilled cheese sandwiches
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Pea soup stores exceptionally well and often tastes better the next day as flavors meld:

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in refrigerator)
• Reheating: Warm gently over medium-low heat, adding splashes of broth if too thick
• Reviving flavor: Stir in fresh herbs after reheating to restore brightness

Nutritional Benefits of Pea Soup

This simple soup packs impressive nutrition:

• High in plant-based protein and fiber for satiety
• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K from fresh peas
• Naturally low in fat when prepared without cream
• Contains folate and iron for blood health
• Hydrating with high water content from broth

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pea soup without an immersion blender?

Yes, you can achieve smooth pea soup without specialized equipment. Let the soup cool slightly, then transfer in batches to a regular countertop blender. Fill only halfway, remove the center cap from the lid, and cover with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape safely while blending.

Why does my pea soup turn brown instead of staying green?

Pea soup turns brown when overcooked or exposed to acidic ingredients too early. To maintain vibrant green color, avoid boiling vigorously, don't add lemon juice until the very end, and remove from heat as soon as peas are tender. The chlorophyll in peas breaks down with prolonged heat and acid.

How can I thicken pea soup without cream?

Peas naturally release starches that thicken soup as they cook. For optimal thickness without cream, simmer uncovered to reduce liquid slightly, then blend most (but not all) of the soup. You can also mash some peas against the pot side with a wooden spoon before blending for extra body.

Can I use canned peas for homemade pea soup?

While fresh or frozen peas work best, you can use canned peas in a pinch. Drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove sodium and the canning liquid that affects flavor. Expect a slightly different texture and less vibrant color compared to soup made with fresh or frozen peas.

What's the difference between pea soup and split pea soup?

Pea soup typically uses fresh, frozen, or shelled garden peas and has a smoother texture. Split pea soup uses dried yellow or green split peas that break down completely during long cooking, creating a thicker soup traditionally made with ham. Split pea soup requires longer simmering time (45-60 minutes) compared to regular pea soup (20-30 minutes).