Name: Military pea soup
Total time: 1 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients: 300 grams Peas; 2 pieces Knorr chicken broth; 200 grams Smoked bone; 1 piece Sausage; 1 piece Carrot; 3 pieces Potatoes; 2 liters Water; 2 pieces Laurel leaf; 3 grains Whole black pepper; 4 tablespoons Marjoram

Ingredients:

Peas

300 grams

Knorr chicken broth

2 pieces

Smoked bone

200 grams

Sausage

1 piece

Carrot

1 piece

Potatoes

3 pieces

Water

2 liters

Laurel leaf

2 pieces

Whole black pepper

3 grains

Marjoram

4 tablespoons

Allspice

4 grains

easy

90 min.

5 servings

Recipe: Traditional Polish military pea soup. Learn how to cook this thick, hearty pea, sausage & vegetable soup. Easy steps for cold days.

1 hour+

Step-by-step recipe for a Military pea soup

Step 1

Rinse the peas thoroughly, place them in a pot, cover with water, add the bone and spices.

Step 2

Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes and carrots, then add them to a pot.

Step 3

Cook the contents of the pot for 15 minutes, add Knorr chicken broth and all remaining spices.

Step 4

Once the peas soften, use a slotted spoon to remove them along with the carrots and potatoes (approx. 100-150 g), place in a blender, and blend.

Step 5

Then pour the blended ingredients back into the military pea soup.

Step 6

Add the diced sausage and cook everything for about 1 hour. Serve the cooked soup with Wrocław roll.

Grochówka Wojskowa: A Hearty Polish Legacy in Every Spoonful

The ‘Grochówka Wojskowa’—a Polish term translating to ‘military pea soup’—stands as a beloved classic in Polish cuisine, renowned for its rich, aromatic profile and deeply satisfying nature. This robust soup, traditionally crafted from split peas, offers warmth and comfort with every serving. Its signature creamy texture develops from blending a portion of the cooked peas and vegetables, while the addition of smoked sausage or bacon enhances its savory depth. It’s a dish where humble ingredients transform into a nourishing and flavorful experience.

Who will savor this hearty soup?

This substantial pea soup appeals to anyone seeking a truly fulfilling and nutritious meal, particularly those who appreciate the robust flavors of traditional Polish cooking. A single serving provides a complete and satisfying main course, sustaining hunger for hours. It’s an ideal, convenient option for busy individuals who value comforting, one-pot dishes.

The perfect occasion for a warming bowl

This warming soup excels on colder days, offering a welcome boost of energy and comfort. It also makes for an excellent weekend family meal; prepared in a large batch, it can nourish for several days, retaining its rich flavor profile beautifully upon reheating. This versatility makes it a practical choice for bustling households.

A glimpse into its storied past

Known also as ‘żołnierska’ (soldier’s) pea soup, Grochówka Wojskowa boasts a rich heritage within Polish culinary traditions. Historically, when meat was a luxury, it was often prepared in a vegetarian form. Its preparation techniques were a common experience for men serving in the military, a factor that significantly contributed to the soup’s widespread popularity in Polish homes.

Elevating the flavors and offering alternatives

While smoked sausage is a traditional meat addition, consider experimenting with other options like pan-fried smoked bacon for a different textural and flavor dimension. For a deeply savory base, incorporating a beef bone during the broth preparation develops an unparalleled richness. However, for a vegetarian or vegan version, a robust vegetable stock infused with dried mushrooms or smoked paprika can create a similar depth. Marjoram, generously added, is the quintessential herb that defines this soup’s aromatic profile. Serve this satisfying dish with fresh, crusty bread, such as a hearty rye or sourdough, to complete the meal.