National Dish New Zealand: Pea, Ham and Mint Soup (Recipe)
In this article
Few things warm a chilly evening quite like Pea, Ham and Mint Soup, a New Zealand favourite that turns three humble ingredients into something genuinely memorable. Sweet green peas bring colour and body, salty ham lends a savoury backbone, and a handful of fresh mint lifts the whole bowl with a clean, herbal brightness. It comes together in well under half an hour, which makes it as welcome on a busy weeknight as it is at a relaxed family lunch.
About Pea, Ham and Mint Soup
Pea, ham and mint soup is a real celebration of flavour, pairing the freshness of green peas with the hearty taste of tender ham and the invigorating note of mint. It is not only delicious but genuinely nourishing, which makes it ideal for cold days. It is also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together over something comforting. Thanks to its straightforward preparation, this soup quickly becomes a household favourite that offers both comfort and real enjoyment.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g fresh or frozen green peas
- 100 g ham, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 sprigs fresh mint, chopped
- 500 ml vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
If you want to make pea, ham and mint soup properly, it pays to use fresh, good-quality ingredients. Visit your local market or a greengrocer with a good turnover to pick out the best peas and herbs. Look for ham of decent quality so the savoury depth really comes through. Frozen peas are no compromise at all — they are a practical and very tasty alternative that keeps well in the freezer.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking, get all your ingredients ready. Dice the ham into small cubes and chop both the onion and the fresh mint. Thorough preparation makes the cooking process far easier and keeps everything running smoothly. It is also worth having the stock measured out and ready to go, which shortens the overall cooking time considerably.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the diced ham and fry for a few minutes until lightly browned.
- Tip in the peas and the stock, then bring everything to the boil.
- Simmer the soup for about 10–15 minutes, until the peas are tender.
- Add the mint and blend with a stick blender until the soup reaches a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Pea, ham and mint soup is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. Do check that the stock you use contains no gluten, however, particularly if you are buying a ready-made one. If you are avoiding lactose, simply leave off any yoghurt or cream garnish. That makes this soup a wonderful option for anyone following a gluten-free or lactose-free diet.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Although pea, ham and mint soup is traditionally made with ham, there are plenty of ways to make the recipe vegan or vegetarian. Instead of ham you can use smoked tofu or a plant-based sausage to mimic that savoury depth. Use vegetable stock rather than chicken stock to keep the soup entirely plant-based. Adding extra vegetables such as carrots or celery boosts the nutritional value, much as they do in a hearty Vegetable Soup.
More tips and tricks
To get the very best from your pea, ham and mint soup, try adding different herbs and spices to fine-tune the flavour. A pinch of smoked paprika gives the soup an interesting depth. If you would like it creamier still, stir in a splash of plant-based cream or coconut milk after blending. Experiment with different types of stock to find the balance that suits your palate best.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Pea, ham and mint soup is extremely versatile and easy to adjust to different preferences. You could try other herbs such as basil or parsley for a completely different character. If you like heat, add a small amount of chilli or extra pepper. Reduce the cooking time slightly when using fresh, seasonal produce so their flavour stays bright and pronounced.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, or simply fancy a change, there are plenty of alternatives. Instead of fresh peas you can use frozen or tinned peas, which simplifies the preparation considerably. If you have no ham, other sausages work well, as does smoked paprika for a similar savoury note — the same trick that lifts a bowl of Kumara Soup. The mint can be swapped for dill or tarragon, depending on your taste.
Drink pairing ideas
A number of drinks go beautifully with a hearty soup like this one. A robust red wine such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon harmonises nicely with the savoury flavours. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, sparkling mineral water with a slice of lemon is wonderfully refreshing, and a light, fruity iced tea makes an interesting companion too. Experiment until you find the combination you like best.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation can lift the whole experience considerably. Serve the soup in smart bowls and garnish with extra fresh mint leaves or a squeeze of lemon juice. A few toasted croutons or a spoonful of crème fraîche on top add welcome texture and flavour, and a slice of warm Rewena Bread alongside turns it into a full meal. Do not forget a nicely laid table to make the occasion complete.
A bit of history
The story of pea, ham and mint soup reflects the varied culinary traditions of New Zealand cuisine. Peas have been a staple ingredient for centuries and appear in kitchens all over the world. Ham is widely used as a savoury element in countless dishes, while mint brings a fresh, aromatic note that has made it a favourite herb in cooking — the same herb that defines a classic Lamb Roast with Mint Sauce. This soup is a wonderful way to honour those flavours while creating something distinctive and delicious.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Pea, Ham and Mint Soup
Pea, ham and mint soup is not merely a tasty dish; it is an excellent way to enjoy the comforting flavours of New Zealand cooking. With only a handful of ingredients and a simple method, this soup delivers plenty of flavour and nourishment to warm both body and spirit. Whether you go for the traditional meaty version or a plant-based alternative, the recipe offers endless room for personal touches. Let it inspire you and enjoy this warming bowl at home.
