admin1 Pea Soup and Doughboys is a traditional comfort food that brings warmth, nostalgia, and homemade goodness to the dinner table. This hearty dish combines thick, flavorful split pea soup with soft, fluffy doughboy dumplings steamed right on top.
Popular in Newfoundland and other parts of Atlantic Canada, this traditional meal is especially loved during cold weather. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it is filling, economical, and perfect for feeding the whole family.
The soup slowly simmers until the peas become tender and creamy, while the doughboys cook gently in the steam, soaking up the delicious flavors of the broth.
Whether you’re making this traditional dish for the first time or recreating a family favorite, this easy recipe delivers authentic homemade comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Pea Soup and Doughboys Recipe
- Traditional comfort food: A classic homemade meal inspired by Newfoundland cooking.
- Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive dried peas and basic baking ingredients.
- Hearty and filling: Perfect for cold evenings and family dinners.
- One-pot cooking: The doughboys steam directly over the soup.
- Easy to customize: Add vegetables, ham, or herbs to suit your taste.
- Perfect for leftovers: The soup becomes even more flavorful the next day.
Recipe Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking time | 2–2½ hours |
| Total time | Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Course | Lunch or dinner |
| Cuisine | Newfoundland-inspired |
| Cooking method | Stovetop |
| Soup simmer | Gentle simmer |
| Doughboy cooking time | 15–20 minutes |
Ingredients for Traditional Pea Soup
For the Pea Soup
- 2 cups dried yellow split peas
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium potato, diced
- 1 ham bone or 1½ cups diced cooked ham (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Doughboys
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold butter
- ¾ cup milk, approximately
How to Make Pea Soup and Doughboys
Step 1: Prepare the Split Peas
Place the dried split peas in a large bowl or strainer.
Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris.
Unlike whole dried peas, split peas generally do not require soaking. However, soaking them for a few hours can reduce cooking time.
Step 2: Start the Soup
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed split peas, water or broth, chopped onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, and thyme.
If using a ham bone, add it now.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer gently.
Step 3: Simmer Until the Peas Are Tender
Cover the pot partially with a lid.
Simmer for approximately 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
The split peas should gradually soften and begin breaking down, creating a thick, creamy soup.
If the soup becomes too thick before the peas are tender, add extra water or broth.
Step 4: Add the Potato and Ham
After approximately 1½ hours, add the diced potato and cooked ham if using.
Continue simmering for another 20–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the peas have completely softened.
Remove the ham bone and bay leaf.
If using a ham bone, remove any remaining meat, chop it, and return the meat to the soup.
Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
Remember that ham and broth can already contain significant salt.
How to Make Homemade Doughboys
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk gently to distribute the baking powder evenly.
This helps the doughboys rise properly and develop a light, fluffy texture.
Step 6: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold butter to the flour mixture.
Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Small pieces of butter help create tender dumplings.
Step 7: Add the Milk
Gradually pour in the milk, stirring gently with a fork until a soft dough forms.
The dough should be moist but not overly sticky.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make the doughboys tough.
If the dough feels too dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 8: Shape the Doughboys
Lightly flour your hands or work surface.
Divide the dough into 6–8 equal portions.
Shape each portion into a small round or slightly flattened dumpling.
Traditional doughboys are simple, rustic dumplings, so there is no need to make them perfectly uniform.
How to Cook Doughboys in Pea Soup
Step 9: Place the Doughboys on the Soup
Make sure the pea soup is gently simmering.
Arrange the doughboys carefully on top of the soup, leaving a little space between them.
They should sit on the surface rather than being completely submerged.
Step 10: Cover and Steam
Cover the pot tightly with a lid.
Allow the doughboys to steam for approximately 15–20 minutes over low heat.
Avoid lifting the lid during the first 15 minutes because the trapped steam helps the dumplings cook evenly.
The doughboys are ready when they have risen, become fluffy, and are cooked through in the center.
Step 11: Serve Warm
Carefully remove the doughboys from the pot using a large spoon.
Ladle the thick pea soup into bowls and place one or two doughboys on top.
Serve immediately while everything is warm and comforting.
Tips for Perfect Pea Soup and Doughboys
Stir the soup occasionally: Split peas can settle and stick to the bottom of the pot.
Use enough liquid: Peas absorb water as they cook. Add extra broth whenever the soup becomes too thick.
Avoid overmixing the dough: Gentle mixing keeps the doughboys light and fluffy.
Keep the lid closed: Steam is essential for cooking the dumplings properly.
Use a gentle simmer: A vigorous boil can break apart the doughboys.
Check the center: If a doughboy is still doughy inside, cover the pot and steam for another 3–5 minutes.
Recipe Variations
1. Pea Soup with Ham
Add diced cooked ham or a ham bone for a traditional smoky flavor.
The ham adds richness and makes the soup even more satisfying.
2. Vegetarian Pea Soup
Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the ham.
Add extra carrots, celery, and herbs for a flavorful vegetarian version.
3. Creamy Pea Soup
Blend a portion of the cooked soup using an immersion blender.
Return it to the pot for a thicker, creamier consistency.
4. Herb Doughboys
Add 1 teaspoon dried parsley, thyme, or chives to the dough mixture for extra flavor.
5. Whole-Wheat Doughboys
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour.
The dumplings will have a slightly heartier texture and a deeper flavor.
What to Serve with Pea Soup and Doughboys
Although this dish is filling on its own, these sides pair wonderfully with it:
- Homemade brown bread
- Buttered dinner rolls
- Fresh green salad
- Steamed cabbage
- Pickled vegetables
- Roasted carrots
- Homemade biscuits
For a traditional meal, serve a generous bowl of pea soup with fluffy doughboys and a slice of homemade bread.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator
Allow the soup and doughboys to cool before storing.
Transfer them to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
The soup will become thicker as it sits, so add extra broth or water when reheating.
Freezer
The pea soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
For best results, freeze the soup separately from the doughboys, as dumplings may become softer after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
Add a little water or broth to restore the consistency.
If reheating doughboys separately, place them over simmering soup and cover until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings with doughboys and without optional ham.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 66 g |
| Dietary fiber | 15 g |
| Total fat | 8 g |
| Saturated fat | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on the ingredients, broth, and serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak split peas overnight?
No. Split peas cook without soaking, although soaking them for a few hours can reduce cooking time.
Why are my doughboys dense?
Dense doughboys are usually caused by overmixing the dough, using old baking powder, or cooking them without enough steam.
Mix gently and keep the pot covered while they cook.
Can I make doughboys without butter?
Yes. You can replace the butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or a suitable dairy-free butter alternative.
The texture may be slightly different, but the doughboys will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook the pea soup on LOW for approximately 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the peas are tender.
Transfer the soup to a stovetop-safe pot before adding the doughboys, or use a slow cooker method specifically designed for dumplings.
What are doughboys?
Doughboys are simple homemade dumplings made from flour, baking powder, fat, and milk. In Newfoundland cooking, they are commonly steamed directly on top of soups and stews.
