Creamy Green Pea Bliss
Elevate your dining experience with this luscious, creamy green pea soup that brings a delightful twist to a classic favorite. After years of experimentation, this recipe captures the essence of rich, smooth flavors without the excessive salt and preservatives found in canned options. Made with tender split peas, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, each spoonful is comfortingly wholesome. The subtle hint of lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness, perfect for brightening up chilly evenings. This soup not only offers a satisfying meal but also freezes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or last-minute dinners. Serve it alongside warm, crusty bread and a crisp salad for a complete, nourishing meal your family will adore, just as mine does.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
split peas
16 ounces (rinsed)
water
3 quarts (none)
onion
1 large (chopped)
chicken bouillon granules
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
bay leaf
1 (none)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
carrots
1 1/2 cups (thinly sliced)
lemon juice
to taste (freshly squeezed (optional but recommended))
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (at least 6 quarts), combine the split peas, water, chopped onion, chicken bouillon granules, garlic powder, oregano, pepper, bay leaf, chopped celery, and sliced carrots.
2
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
4
Cook for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened to your preference. Adjust the consistency by adding water if necessary during cooking.
5
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and either use a blender or stick blender to puree the soup until silky smooth. If using a blender, process in batches to avoid overflow.
6
Reheat the pureed soup gently on low heat if required. This soup is best enjoyed hot and can be served with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
7
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken bouillon with a vegetable bouillon or simply omit it and add lemon juice to taste.
8
For those on a low-salt diet, remove chicken bouillon and enhance flavor with lemon juice—generally about one lemon will do, depending on its size.
Nutrition Information
0.5g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
5g
Fiber
2.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Green Pea Bliss?
It is a luscious, creamy split pea soup made with wholesome vegetables and aromatic herbs that serves as a comfortingly wholesome meal.
How long is the cooking time for this recipe?
The soup needs to simmer gently for 3 1/2 to 4 hours until the peas are tender and the liquid has thickened.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon or omit it entirely and add lemon juice to taste.
Is there a low-sodium version of this soup?
To reduce salt, remove the chicken bouillon and enhance the flavor using the juice of about one fresh lemon.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or future dinners.
How do I make the soup creamy?
Once cooked, use a blender or a stick blender to puree the soup until it reaches a silky smooth consistency.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No soaking is required; the recipe simply calls for 16 ounces of rinsed split peas.
What size pot is required for this recipe?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot with a capacity of at least 6 quarts is recommended.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include split peas, water, onion, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, bay leaf, celery, and carrots.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this creamy green pea soup contains approximately 150 calories.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free as the creaminess comes from the pureed peas rather than milk or cream.
What side dishes pair well with this soup?
It is best served alongside warm, crusty bread and a crisp, fresh salad for a complete meal.
What role does lemon juice play in the recipe?
Lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness and helps enhance the flavors, especially if you are omitting salt.
How much fiber is provided per serving?
This soup is a good source of fiber, offering approximately 5 grams per serving.
Can I use an immersion blender?
Yes, a stick blender can be used directly in the pot to puree the soup into a smooth texture.
How do I prevent the peas from sticking to the pot?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers on low heat to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
What should I do if the soup becomes too thick?
You can adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of water during the cooking process if needed.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is designed for meal prep as it stores well and can be easily reheated for last-minute dinners.
Which spices are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and a whole bay leaf.
Should the bay leaf be removed?
Yes, you must remove the bay leaf before pureeing the soup to avoid bits in the final texture.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides approximately 7.5 grams of protein.
Is fresh lemon juice optional?
While optional, it is highly recommended for an extra burst of flavor and brightness.
How much fat does this soup contain?
This is a low-fat meal, containing only about 0.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carrots are needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of thinly sliced carrots.
How much celery should be added?
You will need 1 cup of chopped celery for this recipe.
What type of onion is used?
The recipe calls for one large onion, chopped.
How much water is used as the base?
The soup uses 3 quarts of water as its liquid base.
Does the soup contain any sugar?
It contains 2.5 grams of sugar per serving, which comes naturally from the vegetables.
Can I leave the soup chunky instead of pureeing it?
Yes, you can skip the pureeing step if you prefer a chunkier, more rustic texture.
What is the final texture of the soup after blending?
When pureed, the soup becomes silky smooth and luscious, characteristic of a classic creamy pea soup.