Pea cream soup with ham

Creamy pea soup with crispy ham: A nutritious and comforting delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of flavors and colors! Today, I will present to you a simple and delicious recipe for creamy pea soup with ham, which will not only warm your soul but also bring a touch of freshness to your plate. This soup is perfect for chilly days, as well as for a light and healthy lunch.

A brief history of pea soup: Over time, pea soup has been appreciated in many cultures for its sweet taste and creamy texture. Peas have been cultivated for millennia, and their use in soups has become a tradition in many households. The combination of fresh vegetables and crispy ham brings a perfect balance between the sweetness of the peas and the savory flavor of the meat, turning this recipe into a true feast.

Ingredients:
- 300 g frozen peas
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 small zucchini
- 50 g butter
- 1 celery stalk
- 2 thin slices of ham
- 1 can of coconut milk (about 400 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Preparing the creamy pea soup:
1. Start by cleaning and chopping all the vegetables: onion, carrot, zucchini, and bell pepper. Make sure the vegetables are cut into small cubes for even cooking. This is an important technique that will influence the final texture of the soup.
2. In a large pot, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and release their aroma.
3. Continue by adding the carrot, zucchini, bell pepper, and celery. Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften.
4. Add the frozen peas and a teaspoon of salt. It’s important to use quality peas, as this will add sweetness and a fresh taste to your soup.
5. After the peas are well mixed with the other vegetables, add 2-3 cups of water (or enough to cover the vegetables) and let it simmer over medium heat for about 40 minutes. This step is essential to allow the flavors to combine and intensify.
6. After the time has passed, remove the pot from the heat and strain the soup. Use an immersion blender to puree the vegetables until you achieve a fine and creamy texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but be careful to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid accidents.
7. Return the pureed soup to the heat and add the coconut milk. This will bring a note of creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes, stirring frequently, to combine the flavors.
8. In a separate pan, fry the slices of ham over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side until they become crispy. This step will add a pleasant contrast of textures, and the flavor of the ham will enrich the soup.
9. Serve the soup in bowls, adding some crispy ham slices on top. If desired, you can also sprinkle grated Parmesan for a richer taste.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add a touch of freshness, add a few leaves of mint or fresh basil before serving.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or pumpkin, to diversify the soup's flavor.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches!
- The calories for one serving of creamy pea soup with ham are approximately 250 calories, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats from the coconut milk.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?
Yes, fresh peas are excellent! Just make sure to cook them until they become soft.
- How can I make the soup vegan?
You can omit the ham and replace the coconut milk with almond or soy milk. Add extra spices for a more intense flavor.
- What other dishes pair well with this soup?
It pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a slice of garlic toast.

This creamy pea soup with ham is perfect to enjoy alongside a warm drink, such as herbal tea or a dry white wine. It’s a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of comfort on colder days. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 300 g frozen peas, 3 garlic cloves, 1 green bell pepper, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 small zucchini, 50 g butter, 1 celery stalk, 2 thin slices of ham, 1 can of coconut milk, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, salt, pepper, parmesan.