Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pea Stew is both comforting and nutritious. The peas provide a creamy texture and mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory herbs and vegetables.
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. It uses everyday ingredients and requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for a quick homemade meal.
It is also very versatile. You can keep it vegetarian or add meat for extra richness, and it pairs well with bread, rice, or potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
dried split peas
olive oil
onion, chopped
garlic, minced
carrots, diced
celery, chopped
potatoes, diced
vegetable broth
bay leaves
thyme
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley, chopped
lemon juice
Directions
- Rinse the dried split peas thoroughly under cold water.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes, cooking for several minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the split peas.
- Stir in the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Continue cooking until the peas become soft and the stew thickens.
- Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice before serving.
- Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4–6 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
There are several ways to adapt Pea Stew.
For a richer version, you can add smoked ham, bacon, or sausage while the stew simmers. This adds a deep savory flavor to the dish.
You can also include additional vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes for more texture and color.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally. Add a small amount of water or broth if the stew becomes too thick.
Microwave reheating can also be used by heating in short intervals and stirring between each interval for even heating.
FAQs
What type of peas are best for pea stew?
Dried split peas are commonly used because they break down during cooking and create a thick, creamy texture.
Do I need to soak split peas before cooking?
No. Split peas do not usually require soaking, though rinsing them before cooking is recommended.
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Yes. Use vegetable broth and avoid adding meat for a fully vegetarian dish.
Can I freeze pea stew?
Yes. Pea stew freezes very well for up to three months.
Why is my pea stew too thick?
Split peas absorb a lot of liquid during cooking. Simply add more broth or water when reheating.
What can I serve with pea stew?
Crusty bread, toasted sandwiches, or rice make great side options.
Can I add meat to this stew?
Yes. Ham, bacon, or sausage can be added for additional flavor.
How do I make the stew creamier?
Allow the peas to cook longer so they break down further and naturally thicken the stew.
Can I cook pea stew in a slow cooker?
Yes. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for about 6–7 hours.
Are split peas healthy?
Yes. Split peas are high in fiber, protein, and several important nutrients.
Conclusion
Pea Stew is a simple, hearty, and nourishing dish that delivers comforting flavors with minimal ingredients. The creamy texture of split peas combined with vegetables and herbs creates a satisfying meal perfect for any time of year. Whether served on its own or with warm bread, this stew is a wholesome addition to any recipe collection.
PrintPea Stew
Pea Stew is a hearty and comforting dish made with tender split peas simmered with vegetables, herbs, and flavorful broth. As the peas cook, they break down into a naturally creamy texture, creating a nourishing stew that is perfect for a warm lunch or light dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Rinse the dried split peas thoroughly under cold water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add diced carrots, celery, and potatoes and cook for several minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add the split peas.
- Stir in bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until the peas are soft and the stew thickens.
- Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice before serving.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- If the stew becomes too thick, add extra broth or water while reheating.
- For a richer flavor, smoked paprika or diced smoked sausage can be added.
- Serve with crusty bread or toasted sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 16g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
