Split pea soup
Dried Green Pea Soup - a Comforting Delight
In every corner of the world, dried green pea soup has become a symbol of comfort and the warmth of home. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for cool days when you need something comforting and nourishing. So, let’s embark on the journey of preparing this delicious soup, which will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia with every spoonful.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of butter (for a rich taste)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (for added flavor)
- 2 carrots, diced (bringing natural sweetness)
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped (for freshness)
- 450 g dried green peas (the main ingredient, rich in protein)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for a warm aroma)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (for a fresh taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for a hint of spice)
- 2 liters of water (or vegetable broth, for extra flavor)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for a stronger taste)
- 3 potatoes, diced (for consistency)
- 1/2 cup of oats (for a creamy texture)
- 1 smoked ham hock (for a rich and hearty flavor)
Before we begin, let’s talk a little about the key ingredients. Dried green peas are an excellent source of protein and fiber, while the smoked ham hock adds a deep and savory flavor, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the vegetables. The oats not only enrich the soup but also contribute to a creamier texture, making it ideal for those who prefer a heartier soup.
Step by step in preparing dried green pea soup:
1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling and dicing the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes into small cubes. This step will not only add a delicious aroma but will also make the soup more visually appealing.
2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the two tablespoons of butter and heat over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the carrots and celery, continuing to sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables become slightly soft.
3. Adding the wet ingredients: Add the dried green peas, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and water (or vegetable broth). Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cooking the soup: Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer on low heat for 1.5 - 2 hours. It’s important to stir occasionally and ensure that the peas don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. As time passes, the peas will soften and begin to break down, creating a creamy base for the soup.
5. Adding the potatoes and oats: About 25 minutes before finishing cooking, add the diced potatoes and oats. These will add substance and texture to the soup, turning it into a true feast.
6. Finalizing the soup: Once the vegetables are cooked and the peas are soft, remove the soup from heat and let it sit for 15 minutes. This step is essential to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.
7. Blending the soup: Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until you achieve a smooth consistency. If you like to have chunks of vegetables in your soup, you can leave some portions unblended. Don’t forget to remove the smoked ham hock before blending! You can shred the meat into small pieces and add it back to the soup after blending.
Serving suggestions
Dried green pea soup is perfect served warm, alongside a slice of toasted bread or crunchy croutons. A teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil on top will elevate the flavors. If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy contrast.
Interesting variations
- Vegetarian soup: You can replace the smoked ham hock with a mix of smoked spices, such as smoked paprika or a vegetarian broth cube to keep the deep flavors.
- Adding other vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or even spinach can be added in the last minutes of cooking to provide extra nutrients and color.
Nutritional benefits
This soup is not only delicious but also extremely nutritious. Dried green peas are rich in plant protein, fiber, and vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the oats offer a good source of soluble fiber, which can help maintain digestive health.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen peas instead of dried peas?
Yes, you can use frozen peas, but the cooking time will be much shorter. It will only require about 20-30 minutes of boiling.
2. How can I store the soup?
The soup keeps excellently in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or you can freeze it in portions to enjoy later. Make sure to store it in airtight containers.
3. Is this soup suitable for vegans?
Yes, if you omit the smoked ham hock and use water or vegetable broth, the soup becomes vegan and delicious.
4. What can I serve alongside the soup?
A fresh green salad or a vegetable tart will perfectly complement this comforting soup.
This dried green pea soup recipe is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that will bring warmth and comfort with every bowl. I encourage you to experiment with ingredients and personalize your recipe, turning each serving into a true culinary masterpiece. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 1 stalk of celery, 450g 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 oats, 1 smoked ham hock
