Looking for a delicious and hearty meal? Try this traditional pea pottage recipe! Made with simple ingredients like split peas, herbs, and vegetables, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch. Plus, it's packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and filling option. Give it a try today and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!
🤔 What is a medieval pottage?
Pea pottage, also known as split pea soup, is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations and is considered peasant food and an integral part of the medieval diet.
It's a simple and satisfying dish that can be made with just a few ingredients, making it a popular choice for families on a budget or those looking for a hearty and healthy meal.
We love stews, pottages, and hearty meals, not only during fall and winter months but year long; that's why we have certain recipes that, even though they use legumes, are still light and easy to put together in just a couple of minutes, without making a mess in the kitchen.
This hearty dish made from dried peas was a staple food in many European countries during the Middle Ages. Peasants tended to rely on this dish because it was cheap and easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and a bit of time to cook.
These light pottages serve as appetizers in small portions or as a main meal, doubling the serving size.
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🧾 Ingredients
This pottage recipe is made with just a few delicious ingredients.
- Split peas - the main recipe ingredient. Brings flavor, creaminess, color, and a delicate sweetness.
- Red onion - brings color and complexity.
- Garlic - adds intensity.
- Sweet potatoes - adds sweetness and creaminess.
- Vegetable stock - the liquid on the recipe. Try to use a good quality one without preservatives, or you can even make your own.
- Celery - adds a slight flavor, volume, and texture to the dish.
- Thyme - contributes to the prominent herbal flavor of this stew, but you can use any choice of fresh herbs.
- Bay leaf - add a delicious herby note.
Optional ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil or vegan butter to stir fry the veggies.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Did you know?
Peas were a common crop among farmers, and their high protein content made them a valuable source of nutrition for people who couldn't afford meat. To prepare the pottage, the peas would be soaked in water overnight, then boiled with onions, herbs, and other vegetables until they were soft and mushy.
The result was a thick and flavorful stew that could sustain people through the long, cold winter months. Even today, split pea pottage remains a popular dish in many parts of the world, cherished for its simplicity, affordability, and comforting taste.
Say yes to Meal Prep!
Substitutions
- Red onions - use white or yellow onions instead. You can also use leeks or shallots.
- Sweet potato - use carrots instead.
- Thyme - substitute for Rosemary, oregano, or tarragon.
🍽 Equipment
Blender- if you don't have a juicer, you will need an immersion blender if you want to make a cream-like pottage.
🔪 Instructions
This recipe for pottage involves very simple steps.
Step 1: Rinse the green peas under running water and drain.
Step 2: Chop all the veggies.
Step 3: Stir fry the onion and garlic, followed by the rest of the vegetables.
Step 4: Add the drained split peas.
Step 5: Add the vegetable broth and bay leaf and let simmer for 20-30 minutes on medium heat.
Step 6: Cook until the pottage reaches the desired consistency.
Optional cream pottage
Optionally, blend using an immersion blender if you want the texture to be creamy, or leave it as is to preserve the texture of the veggies.
Hint: you can use any split peas to make this pottage. Our favorites are yellow and green peas. Red lentils are also a great option.
💡 Top tips
Play with the ingredients and add them to your medieval-style stew. Always add veggies with veggies and cereals halfway, and start with the larger grains like whole beans, continuing with small ones, like green peas.
If you will blend it, add 1-2 cups of warm water to have a creamier consistency.
Want it creamy but still with a couple of veggie chunks? Blend only half of it, and then mix it with the remaining unblinded cooked stew.
📖 Variations
Saffron strands - Definitely not traditional to medieval cooking or medieval society, as saffron is a luxurious spice that can add a rich, warm flavor and a vibrant golden color to a dish. Using saffron strands in a pottage can take this simple and hearty dish to the next level. We love using saffron for our protein chickpea stew.
Cabbage is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, including the classic pea pottage. Pea pottage is a traditional medieval times soup made with green peas and vegetables. Cabbage is a great addition to this soup as it adds both flavor and texture. When using cabbage in a pottage, it is important to chop it into small pieces so that it cooks evenly and doesn't overwhelm the other ingredients. Cabbage is also a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any dish.
Rolled oats can be a great addition to a pottage, adding texture, flavor, and nutritional value to this classic dish. The oats provide a subtle nuttiness and a pleasant chewiness that complements the creaminess of the peas. They also act as a thickener, giving the pottage a heartier, more satisfying consistency. Oats are a rich source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making them an excellent choice for a wholesome meal.
Wild rice is a highly nutritious and flavorful ingredient that can be used to add a unique twist to a traditional pea pottage recipe. This type of grain has a rich, nutty flavor and a chewy texture. Combined with peas' delicate sweetness, it can create a truly delicious and satisfying dish. To make rice and pea pottage, cook it in boiling water for 5 minutes, drain, reserve, and then add them to the drained peas.
Green peas - you can use yellow split peas, green beans, or red lentils as well.
🥡 Storage
Store leftovers in a BPA-free, tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can freeze the stew in an airtight container, but it doesn't stand up well to freezing for more than 3 months.
Always add 1-2 cups of water or vegetable stock to reheat the pottage.
📚 More stew recipes
Vegetarian pottages and Asian curries share many similarities in terms of their use of beans, lentils, and assorted vegetables. Both dishes are typically made with a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, onions, and potatoes, and often include legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, or black beans.
These ingredients provide a rich source of protein and fiber, making them a popular choice for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. In addition, both dishes often use spices and herbs to add flavor and depth to the dish.
Find our Massaman, Red, Green, and Yellow Thai Vegetable Curries, as well as our red lentil and green lentil stews, which are sure to make up for not only delicious but easy meals that can be made in batches with little budget.
Love your creamy soups?
Why not try out this silky carrot and ginger creamy soup, our pumpkin and tahini soup, or the traditional summery Andalusian gazpacho?
This peas pottage recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy classic comfort food. It's packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling and healthy option for lunch or dinner. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!
⭐ If you try this pottage recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
🎥 Video
📋 Recipe
Medieval Green Pea Pottage
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried split peas
- 1 red onion small, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 wedges sweet potato or carrot, chopped
- 1 carrot medium
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
Optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin, or any other vegetable oil. Omit if WFBB
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups water warm, if blending into a cream
Directions
- Rinse the dried split peas and pick out any debris or stones. Set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add veggies. Stir in chopped carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Serve or blend.
Optional for a silky texture
- Using a regular or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth, adding 1-2 cups of warm water until you reach the desired consistency.If using a blender: hold the lid tight with a towel, as hot liquids cause pressure in the jar a can sprinkle.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
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Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
Dina Miller
So velvety! Making a batch for lunches next week!
Gus
Thank you so much for leaving such a kind and enthusiastic review of our pea pottage! We're thrilled to hear that you found it velvety and delicious. It's great to know that you enjoyed it enough to make a batch for your upcoming lunches next week
Savita
This turned out so delicious, we tried it last weekend it was a hit in my family.
Angela
What a great way to cook split peas! This was a such a delicious and flavorful recipe.
Gus
Thank you so much for your wonderful review of our split pea pottage, Angela! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the dish and found it to be flavorful and delicious. We strive to create recipes that are not only tasty but also healthy and nutritious, so it's great to hear that we've hit the mark. We hope that you'll continue to enjoy our recipes in the future and thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us.
Dee
Love how hearty, cozy, and wholesome this dish is!
Hayley Dhanecha
What an easy and delicious soup recipe that is filling too! Simply flavourful.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
This is a proper fill you up type of soup, that's ful of flavour and deeply satisfying too. Definitely one to make again this weekend.
Gus
I am glad you enjoyed the pottage! Have holidays!
Angela
What a healthy and delicious soup! So much flavor too. Thanks for the great recipe!
dana
This is cozy as heck! It's also incredibly nostalgic for me. My dad used to make something like this when I was growing up. Thanks for the memories 🙂
Gus
We are glad the recipe brought up so many memories, Dana! Thanks for the review!
Mahy
I just love how this pottage looks. It is absolutely delicious and just the way I like it!