Pea Soup
Pea soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul. This classic dish is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a nutritious meal. With its vibrant green color and smooth texture, pea soup is as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Whether enjoyed on a chilly day or as a light lunch, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
– 2 cups split green peas
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh herbs for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) of pea soup contains approximately 200 calories, 10g of protein, 1g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, and 12g of fiber. This nutritional value is based on a single serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Rinse the split peas under cold water and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add rinsed peas, vegetable broth, and bay leaf.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
7. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until peas are tender.
8. Remove the bay leaf and blend the soup until smooth.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute split peas with lentils or even use frozen peas for a quicker option. Additionally, vegetable broth can be replaced with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.
Serving and Pairings
Pea soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches, making it a versatile dish for any meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pea soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to restore its creamy texture.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not rinsing the peas can lead to a gritty texture.
- Overcooking can make the soup too mushy.
- Forgetting to season can result in bland flavors.
- Not blending thoroughly may leave lumps.
- Using too much water can dilute the flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Soak the peas overnight for quicker cooking.
- Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or dill.
FAQs
Can I use dried peas instead of split peas?
Yes, you can use dried peas, but they may require longer cooking times and additional water.
Is pea soup healthy?
Absolutely! Pea soup is high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for many diets.
Can I make pea soup vegan?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth and avoid any animal products for a delicious vegan version.
How can I thicken my pea soup?
Blending a portion of the soup can help achieve a thicker consistency, or you can add a bit of potato.
Can I freeze pea soup?
Yes, pea soup freezes well. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
Pea soup is a comforting, nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and customize. With its vibrant flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a delightful starter, this recipe will warm your heart and nourish your body.
Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups split green peas
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the split peas under cold water and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add rinsed peas, vegetable broth, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until peas are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and blend the soup until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
