Real French Canadian Pea Soup

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Quebec with this hearty and authentic Real French Canadian Pea Soup! Made with rich and earthy dried yellow split peas, tender chunks of smoked ham hock, and a medley of aromatic vegetables like onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, this traditional recipe delivers robust flavor and a creamy, velvety texture. Slowly simmered with fragrant thyme and a bay leaf, this comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and is easy to customize with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Ready in just over two hours, this classic dish is a timeless favorite that embodies the warmth and simplicity of French Canadian cuisine. Perfect as a wholesome main course, it’s a must-try for anyone craving a taste of culinary tradition!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried yellow split peas
• 8 cups water
• 1 large smoked ham hock
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 2 medium, diced carrots
• 2 diced celery stalks
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish) fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried yellow split peas thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set them aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the water, smoked ham hock, and rinsed split peas. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low and skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the first few minutes of simmering.

Step 4

Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape, and let the soup simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 6

After about 1.5 hours, check the consistency of the soup. The split peas should have broken down and created a creamy texture. If the soup is too thick, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7

Remove the ham hock from the pot. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred the meat into small pieces, discarding any fat, skin, or bones. Return the shredded meat to the soup.

Step 8

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 10

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy the hearty warmth of this traditional French Canadian pea soup!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1683.9 grams (1683.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2816

Total Fat 80.20g	103%
Saturated Fat 26.90g	135%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 318mg	106%
Sodium 7059mg	307%
Total Carbohydrate 331.50g	121%
Dietary Fiber 127.70g	456%
Total Sugars 58.20g
Protein 205.10g	410%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 598mg	46%
Iron 30mg	166%
Potassium 7679mg	163%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.2%

Protein: 28.6%

Carbs: 46.2%