Pea souffle
Pea soufflé - an elegant and versatile dish, perfect as a side or an appetizer, is sure to impress anyone. This green pea soufflé is a true delight, easy to make and full of flavors. The total preparation time is about 45 minutes, and this recipe will serve 4 generous portions.
Necessary ingredients:
- 400 g green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3 large eggs
- 50 g butter
- 50 g flour
- 300 ml milk
- 100 g cottage cheese or feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A teaspoon of nutmeg (optional, but recommended for a more complex flavor)
- A pinch of baking soda (for a fluffier texture)
Step 1: Preparing the peas
If using fresh peas, wash them well and boil them in salted water for 3-4 minutes until tender. If using frozen peas, they can be added directly to boiling water. After boiling, drain the peas and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Making the béchamel sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 50 g of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir vigorously for about a minute until it becomes a golden roux. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens, then add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
Step 3: Preparing the mixture
In a blender, add the cooked peas, cottage cheese or feta, and the cooled béchamel sauce. Blend until you get a smooth paste, but with a slightly grainy texture. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Step 4: Beating the eggs
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of baking soda until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the yolks and gradually incorporate the pea mixture, mixing well.
Step 5: Combining the ingredients
Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the pea mixture using a spatula, to maintain the air in the egg whites. The mixture should be homogeneous but airy.
Step 6: Baking the soufflé
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease the soufflé molds (or a baking dish) with butter and fill them with the pea mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the soufflé is golden and fluffy. Avoid opening the oven door in the first 20 minutes to prevent the soufflé from falling.
Serving suggestions
The pea soufflé can be served warm, straight from the oven, sprinkled with a little grated cheese on top or with a drizzle of olive oil. You can add a fresh arugula salad or a side of cherry tomatoes for a contrast of colors and flavors.
Possible variations
For a touch of originality, you can add a few fresh mint leaves to the pea mixture, or you can replace the cottage cheese with goat cheese for a more intense flavor. Additionally, the pea soufflé can be combined with other vegetables like spinach or zucchini, adding more nutrients and flavor.
This pea soufflé is a simple yet impressive recipe that will turn any meal into a feast! Try it and enjoy a delicious and healthy dish!
Put the peas in boiling water together with the garlic cloves and mint. If the peas are fresh, boil for 15 minutes. If they are frozen, like in my case, boil for 5-6 minutes. Drain under a strong jet of cold water to retain their fresh color. Once drained well, place in a food processor and add the egg yolks, sour cream, and Parmesan. Blend just enough to leave some pea pieces. Adjust with salt and pepper, and add the beaten egg whites, mixing gently until all ingredients are incorporated. Pour into individual molds or a larger baking dish, then place in a pan with a little water. Bake in a preheated oven at 190 degrees until they develop a brown crust and crack slightly on top, about 15-20 minutes. The Pea Soufflé recipe was suggested by nico-vya on the recipe forum. The green pea soufflé is served as a side dish for all roasts. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 700 g fresh or frozen peas, 3 eggs separated into whites and yolks, 200 ml sour cream, 40 g Parmesan or a hard cheese, salt, pepper to taste, a clove of garlic in its skin, a sprig of fresh mint or dried mint, sunflower or pumpkin seeds for decoration and flavor.
Tags: vegetable dishes pea recipes green pea soufflé recipes
