Pea soup with smoked meat - restaurant version
Pea and Smoked Meat Soup - Restaurant Version
If there is a soup that brings warmth and comfort on chilly winter days, it is definitely pea and smoked meat soup! This recipe, inspired by a famous café in Nashville, will turn every spoonful into an explosion of flavors and nostalgia. Get ready to amaze your family and friends with a delicious soup, perfect for serving at any meal!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 160 minutes
Total time: 190 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10
The History of Pea and Smoked Meat Soups
Pea and smoked meat soup has deep roots in culinary tradition, based on simple ingredients but with a remarkable impact on taste. Over time, this recipe has evolved, becoming a popular choice in restaurants that emphasize comfort and hearty dishes. The smoked meat adds a deep flavor, while the peas provide a sweet note, creating a perfect balance.
Ingredients
- 1 kg smoked ham or smoked bones
- 4 bay leaves
- 500 g dried green peas
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chopped onion
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Balsamic vinegar, for serving
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Boiling the Smoked Meat
Start by taking a large pot (about 5 liters) and adding the smoked ham or smoked bones. Add 3 liters of water and the bay leaves. Put the pot over medium heat and let it boil for about 2 and a half hours. This process will extract the flavors from the smoked meat, creating a rich broth for the soup.
2. Preparing the Peas
After the smoked meat has boiled, remove it from the pot and let it cool. At this point, add the dried green peas and diced potatoes to the broth obtained. Also add thyme, then let it boil until the peas become soft, about 30-40 minutes.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables
In a separate pan, add the olive oil, chopped onion, carrot, garlic, and celery. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they become soft and golden, about 10-15 minutes. Finally, add the butter and sugar, allowing them to caramelize for a few minutes until you achieve a pleasant color.
4. Combining Everything
Add the vegetable mixture to the pot with the soup. Let it boil for another 10 minutes for the flavors to blend. In the meantime, check the soup to adjust the taste with salt and pepper, as desired.
5. Serving
The soup is ready! Serve it hot, with a few drops of balsamic vinegar on top to add a note of acidity that will balance the sweetness of the peas. A slice of crusty bread on the side would be a perfect accompaniment.
Practical Tips
- Choosing the Smoked Meat: The smoked ham or bones can vary depending on preferences. Choose a leaner option for a lighter soup.
- Dried Green Peas: Make sure the peas are well washed before being added to the soup. If you want a smoother texture, you can blend the soup at the end, but I recommend leaving it chunky for a rustic look.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the flavor. You can also replace some vegetables with fresh spinach at the end for an extra nutrient boost.
Nutritional Benefits
This soup is an excellent source of protein due to the smoked meat, while the peas provide fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. The potatoes add healthy carbohydrates, making this dish a balanced choice. A serving of soup of about 250 ml contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh peas?
Certainly! Fresh peas can be used, but they will require a shorter cooking time.
- Is this a vegetarian recipe?
No, as it contains smoked meat. However, you can adapt the recipe using vegetable broth and a vegetarian protein.
- What other recipes can it be combined with?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a vegetable tart, and for a complete experience, a dry white wine would perfectly complement the meal.
I hope this recipe inspires you to prepare a delicious soup full of flavors and warmth! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 1 kg smoked ham hock or smoked bones, 4 bay leaves, 500 g dried green peas, 3 potatoes, 1 teaspoon thyme, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 cups chopped onion, 2 cups diced carrots, 2 teaspoons garlic, chopped, 2 stalks celery, chopped, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon sugar, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar
