Liverpool-Style Pea Soup with Mint and Ham
A comforting green pea soup accented with fresh mint and chunks of smoky ham, inspired by the home city of a famous British drummer. This british-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs frozen green peas, (about 12 oz) smoked ham hock, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen green peas
- 1 piece (about 12 oz) smoked ham hock
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 4 cups frozen green peas, 1 smoked ham hock, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until peas are tender and ham is flavorful.
- Step 3: Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth but still slightly textured. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Liverpool-Style Pea Soup with Mint and Ham take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Liverpool-Style Pea Soup with Mint and Ham?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep frozen green peas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Liverpool-Style Pea Soup with Mint and Ham?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Liverpool-Style Pea Soup with Mint and Ham for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Liverpool-Style Pea Soup with Mint and Ham?
British soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
