French Canadian Pea Soup recipe from Jenny Jones | Jenny Can Cook (2024)

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French Canadian Pea Soup

Traditionally made with a ham hock, this is a healthier and easier way to make this hearty soup. I sometimes add diced potato along with the carrots. Cette soupe aux pois est très délicieux! - Jenny Jones

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Makes: 4 servings

French Canadian Pea Soup recipe from Jenny Jones | Jenny Can Cook (1)

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 cup dried yellow split peas
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt + pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup diced carrot

Instructions:

  1. In a medium soup pot, sauté onion, celery, and garlic in hot oil over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Add remaining ingredients (except carrots) and simmer, covered, for 35 minutes.
  3. Add carrots and simmer, covered, an additional 10 minutes.

Notes: For more on this recipe in my blog click here.

Leave a Comment

  1. Nina

    January 5, 2022 at 12:20 am

    I wonder if you can find yellow peas at an East Indian grocery? Perhaps.

    Reply to this comment

    • Semantha

      January 16, 2022 at 8:52 am

      Not sure where you live but I always buy them at Adonis I love in Quebec

      Reply to this comment

    • Nancy

      March 9, 2022 at 5:41 am

      Yes, you can purchase split pea in any East or West Indian food store also most grocery stores sell them, just be sure to wash prior to using.

      Reply to this comment

    • Pauline McTaggart

      January 12, 2021 at 7:58 am

      I like to add a bit of dried ginger to my pea soup and basil….I am also a French Canadian….

      Reply to this comment

    • ann

      October 30, 2020 at 4:56 pm

      i am a French Canadian born here in Massachusetts and my Hubby is from Quebec City. We have eaten pea soup and made pea soup forever. We like the whole yellow peas, but when not available we use the yellow split peas. Goya whole peas are sometimes available and then I stock up. I just have to make sure that my Sister and my Brother don’t get their hands on my stash. My soup recipe is much the same as yours except that I use marjoram and black pepper. When I use whole peas I heat them to boiling and let them sit, off heat, for at least an hour. I just purchased a Ham Soup Base from Penzey’s Spice and I anxious to try this instead of the usual Chicken Broth.

      Reply to this comment

      • Sheila

        February 21, 2021 at 10:19 am

        I have not been able to find whole yellow peas for about 2 years, I live in Ontario Canada. I need a source. Years ago they were always available. I do the spilt peas but the soup is not the same!

        Reply to this comment

        • Gord

          April 4, 2021 at 2:22 pm

          I bought whole yellow peas at Farm Boy in London yesterday. They are the Farm Boy brand. 750g package.

          Reply to this comment

          • Charmaine

            June 13, 2021 at 4:30 pm

            Thanks for the lead, Gord. A Farm Boy just opened up at the end of our street. I wanted to make this recipe, but I had issues with even buying the split peas. Thanks again. Will try FB tomorrow.

            Reply to this comment

          • Shannon

            April 4, 2022 at 7:43 am

            I know your comment is a couple years old but I found whole yellow peas a few weeks ago. Compliments brand at IGA. Sobeys should have these too since it’s their brand.

            Reply to this comment

          • Jennifer

            October 29, 2020 at 8:58 am

            Hi,

            French Canadian Pea Soup doesn’t usually have the word “split” in it. French Canadian Pea Soup is made with whole yellow peas. Soak for 8 hours (overnight), rinse, boil for a few minutes, turn to simmer, and add your favourites. I often save a cup (3 big handfuls in our house) of chopped ham to put in 10 minutes before serving so the ham pieces have loads of flavour. Also, my grandmother’s recipe (she was from Gaspe, Quebec) always add bay leaves and a dash or marjoram.

            Reply to this comment

          • Germaine

            July 8, 2020 at 5:32 pm

            As long as I could remember- Split Pea Soup was a great soup my mother would make with the ham bone which was left from a holiday meal, a whole bag of yellow split peas, diced onions and diced carrots and vegetable broth or chicken broth.. Everything was tossed into one big pot and brought to a boil, turned down to a low simmer and cooked until the peas ver mushy and tender while cooking, we would check and if needed water added and stirred… I make it this way today and the family enjoys it as much as I did growing up.. usually there would be very little leftovers- but being only two of us now – half the soup will be split into containers and frozen until we wanted another serving for a meal…

            Reply to this comment

          • The soup nancy

            February 21, 2020 at 11:42 am

            I love soup, but have never tried pea soup. I will make yours as it sounds easy and delicious, do you have a recipe for Johnny cake?

            Reply to this comment

          • Diane

            December 11, 2019 at 4:07 pm

            I was born in Quebec in 1951. My mom served “la bonne soupe au pois” before lunch AND dinner every single day! We always loved it!
            After we moved to the US, it was never available in stores. If any relatives came to visit, we made sure to request that they bring a big sack of peas–the whole yellow dried ones. The cooked soup is thick with big, soft nutty-flavored peas. I urge you to try the whole peas, not split. The texture is part of the delight of this dish!
            Now I can buy the whole dried peas on the internet & they are delivered to my door. I came to this site to get ideas on varying the fixings and spices.
            Thank you all, ladies!

            Reply to this comment

            • Carla

              December 26, 2019 at 12:00 pm

              Would the amount of broth required and the cooking time change if you used whole peas?

              Thanks.

              Reply to this comment

            • RoseA

              December 27, 2018 at 4:26 pm

              Smoked turkey wing can be used as a ham hock alternative. Tastes just like ham used in soup or green beans!

              Reply to this comment

            • Tracy

              May 27, 2018 at 4:01 pm

              To be authentic, you need to use a large smoked ham bone with lots of meat still on it. I’m French to the core, so don’t argue with me.

              Reply to this comment

              • nan

                July 1, 2018 at 2:36 pm

                i am french , husband polish. ham hock is used in polish soups also. don’t argue

                Reply to this comment

                • Ray Brunka

                  January 4, 2021 at 1:13 pm

                  I’m canadian and have polish parents. I’m 82 and grew up eating soup all the years I was at home. Traditional family soup passed down was yellow peas as most have made their and then the polish side comes in with sour crout that was washed. This was our Christmas soup and I still make today. puts meat on the cold bones when it gets crisp outdoors.

                  Reply to this comment

                • Jacqueline

                  November 12, 2019 at 10:41 am

                  Im French Cdn too eh and I don’t eat pork! Any smoke meat will do chérie d’amour. LOL. I use smoke turkey drum sticks.

                  Reply to this comment

                  • Debbie

                    May 7, 2020 at 1:47 pm

                    For anybody who is vegetarian, a Gouda SMOKED cheese can also be used as a replacement for the ham… Just offering for those who are interested 🙂

                    I’m also from Quebec 🙂

                    Reply to this comment

                  • Dan H

                    November 18, 2017 at 9:40 am

                    The only thing I would suggest adding is savoury. It is the traditional used spice in a typical French Canadian ( Quebec) style split pea soup. I think this would take the soup to even a higher level!!!

                    Reply to this comment

                  • Joyce

                    July 10, 2017 at 8:17 am

                    Jenny, thank you for this recipe. I don’t eat pork in any form, and finding good recipes for my favorite legume soups isn’t always easy. This is delicious, and SO comforting to (inhale!) eat 🙂

                    Reply to this comment

                  • Josie

                    November 8, 2016 at 4:27 pm

                    Thank you from Kemptville, Ontario.

                    A lovely simple recipe I make during the week when strapped for time. I use vegetable or chicken bouillon and serve with savoury biscuits.

                    Reply to this comment

                  • Lianne Watkins

                    September 29, 2016 at 5:31 pm

                    I have always preferred the flavor of the yellow split peas. Sometimes they are a little hard to find but well worth it. I`m so glad it`s coming up soup season soon.

                    Reply to this comment

                    • nan

                      July 1, 2018 at 2:40 pm

                      bulk stores should have a legumes

                      Reply to this comment

                    • Colette

                      April 11, 2016 at 12:48 pm

                      Sorry but I always made pea soup with the ham bone it gives it the best flavour

                      Reply to this comment

                      • Joyce

                        July 10, 2017 at 8:14 am

                        I prefer to leave the pig meat out of any recipe, for both religious beliefs, as well as knowing the purpose of pigs. My mother taught me decades ago that pig meat was never meant for humans to eat, then explained why–she was not in any way religious, just so that doesn’t get misconstrued–and that took care of that! I’m grateful for recipes that leave that kind of meat out of them.

                        Reply to this comment

                        • KC

                          October 21, 2019 at 10:54 am

                          So what’s the problem with pork?

                          Reply to this comment

                          • KathyJo

                            April 17, 2021 at 8:50 am

                            Nothing is wrong with pork, in my opinion! It does add flavor to the beans if you have some around. My husband goes wild hog hunting each year and the meat is fabulous. God put animals on earth for a reason.

                            Reply to this comment

                          • Terry

                            February 1, 2016 at 2:40 pm

                            Sorry, I missed the last ingredient, carrots. Me bad !

                            Reply to this comment

                          • Terry

                            February 1, 2016 at 2:36 pm

                            I don’t see the carrots on the list of ingredients, how many do you recommend?, and I assume diced.

                            Reply to this comment

                          • edgar

                            January 26, 2016 at 12:03 pm

                            can you used whole yellow peas and do you have to boil them.

                            Reply to this comment

                            • Jenny

                              January 26, 2016 at 4:43 pm

                              I have only made this soup with dried split peas and I don’t know what you mean by whole yellow peas. If you mean fresh, I have never seen them fresh so I don’t really have an answer.

                              Reply to this comment

                              • Diane Marie

                                February 10, 2016 at 7:59 am

                                there is such a thing as whole dried yellow peas… Unfortunately, I’ve only found it once, many years ago. I still always try looking in every new grocery store I go to. That was how it was made in Canada…. I however, have not made it in years due to not being able to find whole peas & that I no longer eat pork products. Thanks for this recipe, I will definitely have to give it a try.

                                Reply to this comment

                              • Chantal

                                December 4, 2017 at 5:17 pm

                                I am French Canadian and we grew up eating soups year round.
                                We always made our pea soup with dried whole yellow peas.
                                They used to only be available in Canada but in Nashua NH i have been able to purchase the Goya whole yellow peas.

                                Reply to this comment

                              • Carol

                                February 10, 2021 at 9:23 am

                                I have found the whole peas up here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Perhaps because of the large Scandinavian population.

                                Reply to this comment

                              • Elaine

                                February 16, 2022 at 5:02 am

                                Dried Whole yellow peas are split peas with the skins still on them. I am French Canadian, my ancestors are all out of Québec. My Mom only used whole dried yellow peas for soup, and often times had a ham bone or ham hock in the pot. But I have used split peas and they are good but not the same.

                                Reply to this comment

                              • nan

                                July 1, 2018 at 2:41 pm

                                peas need no soaking. fast cook soup.

                                Reply to this comment

                              • Anna C

                                January 15, 2016 at 9:13 pm

                                Hi Jenny, my husband hates pea soup… Can I replace the peas with lentils?

                                Reply to this comment

                                • Jenny

                                  January 15, 2016 at 9:40 pm

                                  Lentils cook faster than split peas so I would suggest using a recipe for lentil soup. That way you won’t be disappointed. You can let your husband know that this soup tastes nothing like green pea soup… maybe he might try it. 🙂

                                  Reply to this comment

                                • Becky

                                  January 4, 2016 at 2:07 pm

                                  Just absolutely delicious!

                                  Thanks for another amazing recipe.

                                  Reply to this comment

                                • Katie

                                  July 17, 2015 at 11:00 am

                                  Fabulous

                                  Reply to this comment

                                • Irene

                                  January 21, 2015 at 9:39 am

                                  Hi Jenny,

                                  I love your show & recipes.

                                  Are the dried split peas soaked at all or are they just thrown in dried as they are (after being rinsed)?

                                  How many cups does this soup recipe yield? I was hoping to make a larger batch and freeze it, so I need to know in advance the end yield result.

                                  Thank you for You being You!

                                  Reply to this comment

                                  • Jenny

                                    January 22, 2015 at 10:04 pm

                                    The peas go in the pot just as they are – dried with no pre-soaking. As for how much it makes, I don’t have it made right now so I can only guess. I think it makes no more than 4 cups… maybe 3 1/2 to 4 cups when cooked.

                                    Reply to this comment

                                    • Noella B

                                      January 4, 2018 at 11:32 am

                                      I use whole yellow peas. I am Canadian & we always soak the peas overnight before making the soup.

                                      Reply to this comment

                                      • nan

                                        July 1, 2018 at 2:41 pm

                                        not needed

                                        Reply to this comment

                                      • Ledwards

                                        October 28, 2018 at 2:03 pm

                                        I agree. I’m from Saskatchewan where pretty much all the peas are grown and harvested. Soaking overnight is the way to go.

                                        Reply to this comment

                                      • Jacqueline

                                        November 12, 2019 at 12:02 pm

                                        Salut Noëla… je suis Acadienne et je ne mange AUCUN porc…j’utilise les pattes de dinde fumés de chez Cosco. Pas de différence …et j’ajoute de la fumée liquide pour encore plus de saveur. Oh…my GOD. hehehe

                                        Reply to this comment

                                      • Claudette

                                        January 21, 2020 at 9:37 am

                                        Novella, You’re right. You can also put the beans in a pot covered with water, bring to a boil for one minute, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for one hour to get the same result. I do the same when I make baked beans. Then I drain them and use fresh water for the soup. This has been proven to remove the effects (gas) and has no bearing on the nutrition or flavor of the end product.

                                        Reply to this comment

                                      • Claudette

                                        January 21, 2020 at 9:41 am

                                        Sorry I missed typed your name, Noella. Regarding my previous comment, if you use the boil method, don’t boil for a full minute. Just bring it to a boil Then remove from heat. Covered.

                                        Reply to this comment

                                      • Claudette

                                        January 21, 2020 at 9:45 am

                                        Sorry I mistyped your name, Noella. Regarding my previous comment, if you use the boil method, don’t boil for a full minute. Just bring it to a boil Then remove from heat. Covered.

                                        Reply to this comment

                                      • Elizabeth

                                        December 27, 2014 at 4:22 pm

                                        What about a.Can you provide a recipe split pea soup with a ham bone

                                        Reply to this comment

                                        • Jenny

                                          December 29, 2014 at 3:47 pm

                                          Sorry, I do not make spit pea soup with a ham bone.

                                          Reply to this comment

                                        • Debbie

                                          February 6, 2015 at 1:06 pm

                                          Elizabeth, the recipe would be the same as above only adding a ham bone to it when you add everything except the carrots. Only difference would be to let it simmer an additional l/2 hour then take out of bone and whatever meat hasn’t fallen off, just take off and add to the soup then add the carrots and simmer till carrots are tender.

                                          Reply to this comment

                                        • Noella B

                                          January 4, 2018 at 12:03 pm

                                          2cups whole yellow peas
                                          2 carrots diced
                                          2 stalks celery diced
                                          1 leek finely chopped
                                          1 lg onion chopped
                                          3 tbsp. butter
                                          8 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
                                          1 small ham bone or pork soup bone
                                          2 or 3 sprigs of fresh thyme or ground thyme
                                          1 bay leaf
                                          Salt & pepper to taste
                                          2 tbsp parsley

                                          Soak peas overnight, drain & set aside
                                          In lg stock pot, melt butter on med. heat
                                          Add onions & cook 5 minutes
                                          Add carrots, celery, leek & simmer about 5 minutes stirring occasionally
                                          Add broth, soup bone, peas, thyme & parsley, & salt & pepper. Bring to a boil.
                                          Reduce heat, cover & simmer stirring every 15 minutes until peas are completely soft, about 2 or 3 hours. Add water if necessary,(soup should be thick enough.
                                          Remove soup bone & remove meat from bone & add to soup.
                                          Garnish with more parsley(optional)

                                          Reply to this comment

                                        • Jeff

                                          December 9, 2014 at 9:44 am

                                          so are we talking dried split peas? I’m guessing green would work too?

                                          Reply to this comment

                                          • Jenny

                                            December 9, 2014 at 10:58 am

                                            Yes, dried, and I have clarified that in the recipe. And I have made this soup with both yellow and green split peas – it’s equally delicious either way.

                                            Reply to this comment

                                          • Jennie

                                            November 4, 2014 at 12:29 pm

                                            Wow! I made this soup today and it was out of this world. You’ve outdone yourself again!! Thank you Jenny.

                                            Reply to this comment

                                          • Rhonda

                                            October 28, 2014 at 12:33 pm

                                            This recipe seems as easy and delicious as your corn chowder. I love soups too. I love soups when it’s cold outside in fall and winter most. I will have to pick up ingredients my next shopping trip which will be soon to make this soup. I have made your corn chowder the past 2 years for our Soup Social and it’s all gone by the end of the night. I make 2 pots of your corn chowder and I’m glad I double the pot. If not, I don’t think it would’ve been enough. Now I have people wanting the recipe for your corn chowder, so I’m linking them your way to this website for the recipe

                                            Reply to this comment

                                            • Christy

                                              February 6, 2018 at 4:27 am

                                              Speaking of corn, my favorite split pea soup calls for adding a can of creamed corn. It adds a nice sweet touch. I will try it today with this recipe!

                                              Reply to this comment

                                              • Jacqueline

                                                November 12, 2019 at 12:40 pm

                                                Darling… you may try rich cream instead which will NOT alter the taste of the soup.

                                                Reply to this comment

                                              • Pat Mazurowski

                                                October 27, 2014 at 10:15 pm

                                                Hi Jenny. Well, thanks to you I made my first no knead bread. Your instructions were right on. It came out PERFECT. Next I made the Christmas pecan balls and those were absolutely delicious and super easy. Now I’m going to try making this French Canadian Pea Soup since I too, LOVE SOUP. It’s so much fun to watch your videos and I adore your kitchen. Looks a little like mine with all the tools you have on hand. But I have a use for almost everything and made baking a sort of “hobby”. Better than watching t.v. It’s fun to share with my condo crew too. we’re all about the same age and everyone loves home cooking. Thanks Jenny.

                                                Reply to this comment

                                              • Mary

                                                October 27, 2014 at 9:53 pm

                                                My husband and I were just talking about yellow pea soup. On Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014 we purchased a bag of yellow peas. He thought it would be nice to find a healthy recipe without the fat. Today, I received your wonderful recipe and will give it a try. Your recipes are very healthy and have helped me take off ten pounds in six weeks. Keep up the excellent work.
                                                P.S. We are originally from Welland, Ontario, Canada and now live in Nevada.
                                                Thank you Jenny

                                                Reply to this comment

                                              • Peter Nind

                                                October 27, 2014 at 3:52 pm

                                                Jenny, I doubt you remember me from London, Ont. , but we did meet.
                                                I can’t Thank You enough for this Canadian Pea Soup recipe. it has always been my favorite . Occasionally i will stray and have Black Bean Soup, but don’t have a recipe, so it’s out of a can ! Too bad!
                                                Thanks again, Colder weather and Winter is coming fast here in Canada, so rest assured there will be several dinners of your Soup , and Garlic Bread .
                                                Regards, Peter

                                                Reply to this comment

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French Canadian Pea Soup recipe from Jenny Jones | Jenny Can Cook (2024)

FAQs

How do you make canned split pea soup taste better? ›

Cook and crumble up some bacon or sausage for a punch of additional meaty flavor. Try sauteing ham for split pea soup. Even some pan-fried shrimp would be great on canned potato or corn chowder.

Get More Info Here
What is the French term for pea soup? ›

Soupe Au Pois a Memere (French Canadian Pea Soup)

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What is the difference between split pea soup and pea soup? ›

A recipe for "pea soup" from 1905 is made with split peas, salt pork and cold roast beef. The soup is strained through a sieve to achieve the desired texture. "Split pea soup" is a slightly thinner soup with visible peas and pieces of ham, especially popular in the Northeast, the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest.

Read On
How to enhance the flavor of pea soup? ›

Add a bit of lemon zest to make those peas really sing. You can try the fresh pea approach with your favorite split pea soup recipe, but this super traditional, easy version is an Epicurious favorite.

Read The Full Story
Why is split pea soup so gassy? ›

Why is pea soup so gassy? Pea soup is gassy because when bacteria in the digestive tract digest small sugars called oligosaccharides that are present in the beans, it creates gas.

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What are 3 French soups? ›

Bouillabaisse – a stew of mixed herbs, fish, and vegetables. Garbure – a thick French soup or stew of ham with cabbage and other vegetables, usually with cheese and stale bread added. Oille – a French potée or soup believed to be the forerunner of pot-au-feu composed of various meats and vegetables.

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What are the two types of soups in French? ›

Traditionally, french soups are classified into two groups: clear soups and thick soups. The established French classifications of clear soups are bouillon and consommé.

View More
What is pea soup slang for? ›

pea soup noun [U] (FOG)

US old-fashioned informal. (UK pea-souper) a very thick fog. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.

Discover More
Why are my peas still hard in my pea soup? ›

If your split peas are hard after this length of cooking time, there is something wrong with the peas or with your water. If the peas are very old and dried out, they won't soften.

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Why is my pea soup not creamy? ›

One common reason is using too much water or broth while cooking. Additionally, if the split peas are not cooked long enough, they may not release enough starch to thicken the soup.

Explore More

What country eats the most peas? ›

Global pea consumption is set to reach almost 6 million metric tons by 2026. This represents a growth of 0.4% per year since 2017. India was the top consumer in 2021 with 2.3 million metric tons. China, Ethiopia and Bangladesh followed in that order.

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Should split pea soup be thin or thick? ›

However not thickened with traditional methods, the thickness of this soup comes from the cooking down of the split peas themselves. The longer you cook the pea occupied broth, the thicker the soup gets. This is a preference, so you choose your thickness.

Learn More Now
How do you spice up bland split pea soup? ›

Use bones, such as a ham hock or shank, even a turkey carcass. The collagen in the bones thickens the soup and the meat adds flavor. Start with a big Dutch Oven, Stock Pot, or slow cooker (minimum 3–4 quarts). Dump in a pint of mirepoix - diced onion, celery, and carrot.

Find Out More
What can you add to canned soup to make it taste better? ›

How To Make Canned Soup Taste Like Homemade
  1. Sauté some onions and/or garlic: Low and slow is the way to go. ...
  2. Add protein: Leftover chicken or steak, some cooked diced ham or bacon or sausage (just a little — that soup is already salty). ...
  3. More vegetables: This is a great place for leftover cooked veggies.
More items...
Apr 25, 2023

Read On
What can I add to canned peas for flavor? ›

How do you make canned peas taste better? Any seasonings you can add to peas can help make them taste better to you. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, seasoning salt, spice blend, and even popcorn seasonings can help season peas.

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