Creamy Green Pea and Bacon Soup Recipe

Introduction

In the realm of hearty comfort foods, soups hold a special place, offering warmth, nourishment, and a symphony of flavors in every spoonful. Among these, the Green Pea and Bacon Soup stands out as a delightful fusion of vegetal sweetness and smoky richness, harmonized by the savory umami of bacon. This recipe, meticulously crafted for Love With Recipes, aims to elevate your culinary experience by combining wholesome ingredients with simple yet effective techniques. Whether you’re seeking a cozy meal on a chilly evening or a nourishing dish to share with loved ones, this soup promises to deliver depth and satisfaction with every sip.

Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour 12 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or stockpot
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Immersion blender or standard blender (preferably with a lid suitable for hot liquids)
• Wooden or silicone spatula for stirring
• Soup ladle for serving
• Optional: Food processor for additional blending control
• Stove or cooktop
• Kitchen timer

Tags

• Soup
• Comfort Food
• Vegetarian Option (with vegetable stock)
• Low-Cholesterol
• Family-Friendly
• Easy to Make
• Hearty

Serving Size

Serves 4 generous portions. Ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping for the week.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate. Requires basic knife skills, simmering, and blending techniques. Suitable for home cooks with some experience in soup-making.

Allergen Information

• Contains: Pork (bacon)
• Potential cross-contamination: Check bacon packaging for gluten or other allergens if sensitive.
• Note: For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit bacon or substitute with smoked mushrooms or plant-based bacon alternatives.

Dietary Preference

• Suitable for omnivores
• Can be adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets with appropriate substitutes
• Low cholesterol (by choosing lean bacon or turkey bacon)

Course

Appetizer / Main Course / Light Meal

Cuisine

European, American

Ingredients

Instructions

Preparation of Ingredients

Begin by assembling all your ingredients and preparing them for cooking. Dicing the bacon into small, even pieces ensures uniform cooking and optimal flavor release. Mince the garlic finely to maximize its aromatic impact. Dice the onion into small cubes for quick softening and flavor extraction. Peel the potatoes thoroughly, cutting them into uniform pieces to promote even cooking. Measure out your split peas and set everything within arm’s reach, ready to be added to the pot.

Sautéing the Bacon and Aromatics

Start by heating your large saucepan over medium heat. Once the pan is warm, add the diced bacon. Cook the bacon slowly, allowing it to release its fat and become crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or a spatula to stir occasionally, ensuring even browning. As the bacon reaches the desired crispness, its rendered fat will begin to infuse the pan with a smoky aroma, which forms the flavor base of your soup.

Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the pan with the bacon fat. Stir well and cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, approximately 3–4 minutes. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. This step is crucial because it develops the foundational savory notes of your soup, blending the smoky, sweet, and umami flavors seamlessly.

Cooking the Split Peas and Tomatoes

Transfer the cooked bacon, garlic, and onions into the large stockpot if not already using a deep enough pan. Add the chopped tomatoes to the mixture, stirring to combine. Let the tomatoes cook down slightly, about 3–5 minutes, allowing their acidity to mellow and their sweetness to intensify. This creates a depth of flavor that complements the earthiness of the split peas.

Pour in the vegetable stock, ensuring the mixture is well covered. Add the split peas, stirring thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly. Cover the pot with a lid and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low or a gentle simmer, maintaining a steady low boil to prevent burning or sticking. Let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, to allow the split peas to soften and release their natural starch, thickening the broth and enriching the overall flavor profile.

Incorporating Potatoes and Final Simmering

After the initial hour, add the diced potatoes into the simmering soup. Continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. During this stage, the potatoes will absorb some of the flavors from the broth, contributing to a creamy texture and a hearty feel. If you find the soup has thickened too much, add extra vegetable stock or hot water to achieve your desired consistency.

To test doneness, insert a fork into the potatoes; it should slide in easily. The split peas should be fully broken down, creating a thick, hearty base. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the bacon will lend saltiness, so be cautious with additional salt until you’ve tasted the final product.

Blending the Soup

Once the soup has simmered to perfection, it’s time to blend it to your preferred texture. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for convenience, blending until smooth or partially smooth for a chunkier consistency. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender, blending carefully to avoid splatters from the hot liquid. For a velvety finish, blend until completely smooth; for more texture, pulse a few times for a semi-chunky appearance.

Return the blended soup to the pot if using a standard blender, reheat gently over low heat, and taste again. Adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for added texture and visual appeal.

Preparation Tips

• Soaking Split Peas: While optional, pre-soaking split peas for 1–2 hours can reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. Rinse thoroughly before adding to the soup.
• Garlic and Onion: For a milder flavor, sauté until translucent; for a more pungent aroma, cook slightly longer.
• Tomatoes: Use ripe tomatoes for natural sweetness; if using canned, select low-sodium varieties for better control over salt content.
• Adjusting Consistency: Add hot vegetable stock or water gradually during blending or cooking to reach your desired thickness without diluting flavor.
• Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of hot sauce, or a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Use fresh herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a burst of freshness.
• Double the batch: This soup freezes well. Prepare in bulk and store in airtight containers for quick meals later.
• Flavor layering: Roast the bacon before adding to deepen its smoky flavor.
• Texture control: Experiment with blending time to find your perfect soup consistency.
• Vegetarian adaptation: Replace bacon with smoked mushrooms or plant-based bacon for a meatless version.

Add-ons

• Crumbled feta or Parmesan cheese for richness
• Toasted croutons for crunch
• Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or dill
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt dollop for creaminess
• Drop of hot sauce or a dash of smoked paprika for added spice and smoky flavor

Side Dishes

• Crusty artisan bread or sourdough slices
• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables such as carrots or Brussels sprouts
• Cheese platter to complement the smoky notes of the soup

Improvements

• Incorporate other vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks for added complexity
• Add a splash of cream or coconut milk during blending for a richer, creamier texture
• Experiment with different bacon types, such as pancetta or smoked turkey bacon, to vary flavors
• Use homemade vegetable stock for a more robust, fresh taste
• Include herbs such as thyme or bay leaves during simmering for aromatic depth

Save and Store

This soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving. Always check the soup for quality before consuming leftovers.

FAQ

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, substitute the bacon with smoked mushrooms or plant-based bacon and use vegetable stock. Omit any dairy garnishes for a fully vegan version.

Can I use frozen peas instead of split peas?

Fresh or frozen green peas can be used for a different flavor profile, but they won’t provide the same thickening effect as split peas. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

Use a standard blender in batches, blending carefully to avoid splattering. Be sure to vent the lid slightly or cover it with a towel to prevent hot liquid from escaping.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free vegetable stock and check that all ingredients are free from gluten-containing additives.

Conclusion

This Green Pea and Bacon Soup exemplifies the perfect blend of simplicity and depth, offering a nourishing, flavorful experience that warms both the body and soul. With versatile ingredients and adaptable techniques, it makes an ideal choice for home cooks seeking to impress with minimal fuss. The combination of smoky bacon, sweet peas, and hearty potatoes creates a symphony of flavors that comfort and satisfy in every spoonful. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, this soup aligns seamlessly with the values of Love With Recipes — celebrating wholesome, delicious food crafted with care. Prepare to indulge in a bowl of goodness that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

References

• Food & Nutrition Magazine, “The Science of Soup Making,” 2021
• American Heart Association, “Healthy Cooking Tips,” 2022