Virginia Ham and Pea Soup with Smoked Sausage

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty soup blending Virginia smoked sausage, tender ham, and fresh green peas in a savory broth. This american-inspired soups ready in about 75 minutes pairs smoked sausage, Virginia ham, frozen green peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté 1 diced onion, 1 diced carrot, and 2 diced celery stalks in 2 tbsp oil until softened. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 cups broth, 1 tsp thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Bring to a boil. Add 8 oz cubed ham and 2 links sliced sausage. Simmer 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Cook 5 minutes until peas are tender. Remove bay leaf and season to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Virginia Ham and Pea Soup with Smoked Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 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 Virginia Ham and Pea Soup with Smoked Sausage?

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 smoked sausage from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Virginia Ham and Pea Soup with Smoked Sausage?

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 Virginia Ham and Pea Soup with Smoked Sausage 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 Virginia Ham and Pea Soup with Smoked Sausage?

American 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.

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