French Canadian yellow pea soup is a hearty and flavorful soup that is popular throughout Canada. Yellow pea soup is thought to have originated in Quebec, where it is known as soupe aux pois. The soup was likely brought to Canada by French settlers who had to make use of the basic ingredients they brought with them from Europe, such as dried peas and salt pork. It quickly became a popular dish among the French Canadians.
This comfort food staple is typically made with a smoked ham hock or ham bone, which gives the soup a rich and smoky flavor. The vegetables used in the soup can vary, but they typically include carrots, celery, and onions. It is also flavored with herbs such as thyme and savory.
French Canadian Yellow Pea Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Butter or vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 1 cup Celery, grated or minced
- 1 lb. Dried yellow split peas
- 6 cups Chicken broth
- 1 lb. Cured ham, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup Carrots, grated
- 2 tsp Dried summer savory
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Ground black pepper
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery. Sauté until tender and translucent.
- Add split peas, broth, ham, savory, bay leaf, and carrots. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for at least one hour, or until the peas break down to form a thick soup and ham pieces are falling apart. If soup is too thick, add some water.
- Remove bay leaf and salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with slices of baguette for dipping.
A huge favorite in our household. So easy and so good!!