Soup - cream of dried peas

Creamy dried pea soup - a comforting delight

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

I invite you to discover a recipe that will warm your soul and combines the taste of home-cooked meals with the nutritional benefits of peas. This creamy dried pea soup is not only extremely simple to prepare, but it is also an excellent choice for a healthy meal. Packed with protein and fiber, peas are a versatile ingredient that has been used throughout various culinary cultures over time. Let's get started!

Ingredients

- 300 g dried peas
- 4 liters of water
- 1 small carrot, finely grated
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (or 3 green onions, if you prefer a milder flavor)
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 5 tablespoons of olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toasted bread, for serving
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Step by step - Instructions

1. Preparing the peas: Start by thoroughly washing the dried peas under cold running water. This step is essential as it removes impurities and accumulated dust. Once you have washed the peas, place them in a large pot and add 4 liters of water. Put the pot on medium heat and let it boil. Make sure the peas are well covered with water; if you notice that the water has reduced too much, top it up with hot water.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: While the peas boil, take a pan and add the 5 tablespoons of oil. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and grated carrot. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the carrot softens, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the aroma of the garlic is released, but be careful not to burn it, or it will become bitter.

3. The magic blender: Once the peas are boiled (about 30-40 minutes), remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the peas along with the cooking water. Make sure to achieve a creamy consistency without large chunks. If needed, you can add a little water for a smoother texture.

4. Combining the ingredients: Pour the pea puree into a clean pot. Add the sautéed vegetables (onion, carrot, and garlic) and mix well. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Serving: Once the soup is ready, pour it into deep bowls. Serve it with crispy toasted bread, sprinkled with finely chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness and color. You can also drizzle some olive oil on top for a more intense flavor.

Practical tips

- Vegetable variation: You can experiment with other vegetables by adding celery or red bell pepper to the vegetable mix for a diverse flavor.
- Spicy soup: If you enjoy spicy food, you can add a pinch of chopped chili pepper or a little cayenne pepper for an extra kick to the soup.
- Soaked peas: If you have time, you can soak the peas for a few hours or overnight. This will considerably reduce the cooking time.

Nutritional benefits

Peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron and phosphorus. This creamy soup is an ideal choice for vegans and vegetarians, as well as anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen peas? Yes, you can use frozen peas to save time. Just make sure to add them during boiling so they cook evenly.
- How can I store the soup? You can store the soup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Additionally, the soup can be frozen, but make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in freezing containers.
- What else can I serve with this soup? This creamy soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a vegetable tart.

Calories and servings

One serving of creamy dried pea soup contains approximately 200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. This makes it a light and healthy choice, perfect for a light dinner or a hearty lunch.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try cooking simple and healthy soups at home. Whether you enjoy it with family or friends, creamy dried pea soup is a dish that always brings joy. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 300 g dried peas, 4 l of water, 1 small grated carrot, 1 finely chopped onion (or 3 green onions), 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic, 5 tablespoons of oil, salt and pepper to taste

 Tags:  cream soup pea carrot garlic