Yellow pea soup

Yellow pea soup – a comforting delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Yellow pea soup is a simple dish, yet full of flavors and nutrients, perfect for cool days or when you crave a comforting bowl. This recipe is ideal for those looking for a quick and healthy meal, as well as for cooking enthusiasts who want to add a touch of originality to their plate. Let's get started!

Necessary ingredients:
- 250 g yellow peas (choose a quality pea, free of impurities)
- 2 cloves of garlic (for an extra flavor)
- 1 bay leaf (for a subtle taste)
- 1 medium carrot (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 small onion (to enhance the aroma)
- 1.5 l water or vegetable broth (for a richer flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or butter (for sautéing the vegetables)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill, for serving)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the peas: Start by selecting the yellow peas. It is important to choose peas free of impurities. Wash the peas in 7-8 waters until the water runs clear, to remove any remaining impurities. This step is essential to ensure that the soup will have a clean and fresh taste.

2. Boiling the aromatic ingredients: Place the washed peas in a large pot, add 1.5 liters of water or vegetable broth, the halved garlic cloves, and the bay leaf. These will give the soup a deep and aromatic flavor. You can also add the sliced carrot for a hint of natural sweetness.

3. Cooking: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer covered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the peas become soft. Check the consistency of the peas periodically and ensure that there is enough water. It is essential not to overcook the peas, as they will lose their texture.

4. Blending the soup: Once the peas are well cooked, remove the bay leaf and garlic cloves. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until creamy. If you prefer a less smooth soup, you can leave some whole peas.

5. Seasoning: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. A drizzle of olive oil or a small piece of butter will add a touch of refinement and creaminess to the soup.

6. Serving: Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs. You can also add crispy croutons or toasted seeds for extra texture.

Possible variations:
For a more exotic soup, you can add a teaspoon of curry or turmeric. You can also experiment with adding vegetables like celery or bell peppers to diversify the flavors.

Practical tips:
- If you want to save time, you can use canned or frozen yellow peas, being careful to reduce the cooking time.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for later consumption.

Yellow pea soup is not only a simple and quick recipe but also a healthy and satisfying option, perfect for any meal. Try this recipe and turn it into a soul dish!

 Ingredients: 500g yellow peas, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 1 tomato, 2 garlic cloves, 1 bay leaf, smoked ham hock, thyme, oregano, rosemary, salt, pepper, olive oil.