Bean soup

Pea Soup - an explosion of flavors and textures that will take you on a comforting culinary journey

Total preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Pea soup is a dish that brings together the simplicity of ingredients and the richness of flavors, making it a perfect choice for a spring meal or even for the cool winter evenings. This recipe is not just a culinary delight but also a way to bring a healthy portion of nutrients to the table, as long as you choose quality ingredients. Moreover, it is an easily adaptable recipe that can be customized according to your preferences.

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper, preferably red or yellow, for a splash of color
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme (or a teaspoon of dried thyme if fresh is not available)
- 1 slice of smoked homemade sausage, cut into rounds (optional, but recommended for an intense flavor)
- 500 g frozen peas (or fresh if available)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons of sour cream (preferably full-fat for a creamy taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 stalk of celery (optional, but adds a subtle and pleasant flavor)

Preparation of the soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and sausage into small pieces. Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand to make the cooking process as smooth as possible. A small note: if you are in a hurry, you can use frozen vegetables, but it is preferable to use fresh vegetables for a more intense flavor.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Adding the red bell pepper not only enhances the soup's appearance but also adds a sweet flavor.

3. Adding the carrot and celery: Add the carrot and, if you choose to use it, the chopped celery. Continue to sauté the mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

4. Including the sausage: Now add the rounds of smoked sausage. Its rich flavor will enhance the soup, adding an extra depth of taste. Sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

5. Boiling the vegetables: Add approximately 1.5 liters of water and a sprig of thyme. Let the soup simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, or until the carrots are almost cooked. The aroma of thyme will add a note of freshness to the soup.

6. Adding the peas: Now is the time to add the frozen peas. Boil them for 5-7 minutes, or until tender. If you are using fresh peas, the cooking time may be shorter, so check them frequently.

7. Finalizing the soup: Once the peas are cooked, add the tomato paste and stir well. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. At this point, it is essential to check the taste – add salt and pepper to your liking.

8. Incorporating the sour cream: Before serving the soup, melt the sour cream in a separate bowl and gradually add it to the soup, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This will give the soup a creamy appearance and a velvety texture.

9. Serving: Turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley. I recommend serving the soup hot, with a slice of toasted bread or crispy croutons on top to add a textural note.

Serving suggestions and variations:
This pea soup can easily be transformed into a vegan dish by omitting the sausage and using plant-based sour cream. You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, depending on the season. If you enjoy bolder flavors, you can add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick.

Nutritional benefits:
Peas are an excellent source of fiber and plant-based protein, contributing to digestive health. This soup is rich in vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals, while being low in calories, making it an ideal choice for a light and healthy meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh peas? Yes, fresh peas are great! Make sure to wash them well and remove the ends before adding them to the soup.
- What other spices can I use? You can experiment with sweet paprika or chili powder to add a spicy note to the soup.
- What can I do with leftovers? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

In the end, pea soup is not just a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to enjoy fresh and healthy ingredients. So, put on your apron, grab a spoon, and enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: an onion a carrot a bell pepper a sprig of thyme a piece of smoked homemade sausage frozen green beans 2 tablespoons of broth 4 tablespoons of sour cream salt pepper parsley celery

 Tags:  bean soup vegetable soup