Split Pea Soup

Dried green pea soup is a comforting dish that combines tradition and health in a warm bowl. This soup is not only filling but also brings a lot of nutritional benefits. With a mix of fresh vegetables, spices, and green peas, the soup becomes an excellent choice for a nutritious meal. Over time, pea soup has been appreciated by various cultures due to its simple and accessible ingredients, as well as its comforting taste.

In this recipe, I will guide you through each step of the preparation process, providing you with useful tips to achieve a perfect result. So, let’s transform these simple ingredients into a delicious soup!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 450 g dried green peas, washed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 liters of water
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup of oats
- 1 smoked ham hock, for added flavor

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by washing the dried peas well under cold water. This will help remove impurities and activate the flavors. Also, peel and chop the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes into cubes. It is important that the vegetables are cut evenly so they cook uniformly.

2. Sautéing the Vegetables: In a large pot, add the two tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step brings a delicious base flavor to your soups.

3. Adding the Vegetables: Once the onion is sautéed, add the carrots and celery. Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process will intensify the flavors and add depth to the soup.

4. Including the Peas and Spices: Add the dried green peas to the pot, along with the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine the ingredients.

5. Adding the Water: Pour the 2 liters of water into the pot. Bringing the water to a boil will activate the dry ingredients, and the soup will begin to take on a creamy consistency.

6. Boiling the Soup: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 1.5 - 2 hours. It is important to stir occasionally and check the consistency of the peas. When the peas become soft, it’s time to add the potatoes and oats.

7. Adding the Potatoes and Oats: In the last 25 minutes of cooking, add the potatoes and oats. These ingredients not only add volume to the soup but also give it a pleasant texture.

8. Preparing the Soup: Once all the ingredients are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool for 15 minutes. Then, use an immersion blender to turn the soup into a fine cream. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can leave some pieces of peas and vegetables intact.

9. Serving: If you chose to add the smoked ham hock, remove it before blending the soup. You can shred it into small pieces and add it back into the soup after blending. This will give a smoky and savory flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Dried green pea soup is delicious served hot, with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a drizzle of olive oil or a few fresh parsley leaves on top. Additionally, a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt can work wonders for creaminess.

Possible Variations

- Vegetarian: You can omit the smoked ham hock and add more vegetables or spices to enhance the flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with other spices like sweet paprika, cumin, or coriander to add an exotic note.
- Oats: Instead of oats, you can use quinoa or rice to vary the consistency.

Nutritional Benefits

Dried green pea soup is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Peas are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while potatoes provide healthy carbohydrates for energy. Oats contribute soluble fiber, which is beneficial for digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen peas instead of dried peas?
Yes, you can use frozen peas, but the cooking time will be significantly reduced. Add them in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

- How can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and for longer storage, you can freeze individual portions.

- What can I serve alongside this soup?
A fresh green salad or a cheese sandwich can perfectly complement this meal.

Dried green pea soup is undoubtedly a dish that combines tradition with health, offering a comforting taste and a pleasant consistency. Enjoy every spoonful and the warmth it brings on cooler days!

 Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 1 stalk of celery, 450 g dried green peas, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon parsley, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 2 liters of water, 2 cloves of garlic, 3 potatoes, 1/2 cup of oatmeal, 1 smoked ham hock

 Tags:  vegetable cream soup soup pea soup