There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s as rich and flavorful as the famous CPK Pea Soup. Known for its vibrant green color and creamy texture, this soup is a delightful blend of fresh peas, savory herbs, and a hint of smokiness that makes it perfect for cozy dinners or light lunches.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the steps to recreate the iconic CPK Pea Soup right at home, using simple ingredients and easy techniques. You’ll discover why this soup is beloved by many, how to tweak it to suit your taste, and some handy tips to elevate your cooking experience.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This CPK Pea Soup recipe is a perfect blend of health and indulgence. Made primarily from fresh or frozen peas, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it nutritious and filling without feeling heavy.
The addition of herbs like mint or thyme adds a refreshing aroma that brightens every spoonful. Plus, the subtle smokiness from bacon or smoked paprika introduces a depth of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you want a vegan version or prefer it with a bit of creaminess, you can easily customize it to your liking.
It’s also a fantastic way to use up fresh spring peas or frozen peas from your pantry. The creamy texture is achieved without heavy cream, making it lighter on calories but rich in taste.
Most importantly, this soup is incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch that serves a family or saves well for leftovers.
It’s perfect for meal prepping or as a starter for your dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh or frozen green peas
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional for smoky flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Equipment
- Large saucepan or pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Blender or immersion blender
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowls
- Optional: fine mesh strainer for extra smooth texture
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Chop the onion and garlic finely. If using fresh peas, shell them and rinse well. Chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Cook the bacon (optional): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the pot over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the peas and herbs: Stir in the peas, fresh mint, and thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the peas to absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the broth: Add the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until peas are tender.
- Blend the soup: Remove from heat. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If desired, pass through a fine mesh strainer for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Finish the soup: Return the soup to low heat. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, gently fold in Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with the crispy bacon pieces if using, a drizzle of olive oil, or a few fresh mint leaves.
Tips & Variations
“For a vegan-friendly version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor!”
Enhance the flavor: Toast the peas lightly before adding broth to deepen the taste. You can also add a small potato or leek for added texture and richness.
Make it creamy without dairy: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of Greek yogurt for a dairy-free option.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of peas.
Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant pea soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to make a complete meal. Serve it with crusty artisan bread or garlic toast for dipping.
A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s bright flavors beautifully.
For a heartier option, top the soup with crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts. You can also serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a light pasta dish for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Conclusion
The CPK Pea Soup recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, tasty meal that’s both simple and elegant. Its fresh pea flavor combined with aromatic herbs and optional smoky bacon makes it a versatile dish suitable for any season.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a comforting dinner starter, this soup fits the bill perfectly.
Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also adaptable to your dietary preferences and ingredient availability. I hope this recipe inspires you to bring a little bit of CPK magic into your kitchen.
Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to find your ideal version!
Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out these favorites: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, Classic Chicken Noodle Soup, and Roasted Butternut Squash Soup.
📖 Recipe Card: CPK Pea Soup
Description: A creamy and comforting split pea soup inspired by California Pizza Kitchen. Packed with tender peas and subtle herbs for a hearty meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried split peas, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Add rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes until peas are tender.
- Remove bay leaf and blend soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in heavy cream and heat through before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 12g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 28g
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