Dried Pea Soufflé

Dried peas are a versatile and flavorful ingredient, perfect for creating a delicious and comforting dish. Start by carefully selecting the peas, ensuring they are clean and of high quality. Rinse them well in several waters until the water runs clear, thus removing impurities and any dust particles. Then, soak them in cold water for about two hours; if you have time, it is ideal to put them in the evening, letting them hydrate overnight.

After the peas have soaked, boil them in the same water, adding a small amount of salt. Cook the peas on low heat, stirring occasionally and removing the foam that forms on the surface. When the peas become soft, drain them but keep a little of the cooking water, as it can be used to adjust the consistency of the dish. Mash the peas (if you prefer to leave them in halves, that’s perfect) and place them in a baking dish, preferably made of heat-resistant glass, greased with butter.

To add extra flavor, mix the mashed peas with 50 g of cheese, preferably a more flavorful one, and season to taste. Then prepare a creamy white sauce: in a pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then add the flour, lightly frying it without changing its color. Gradually, add room temperature milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring until it thickens.

Once the sauce has cooled, incorporate the grated cheese (save 3 tablespoons for decoration), the mashed cheese, 100 g of sour cream, and the egg yolks, one at a time, homogenizing well after each addition. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper, being careful not to overdo it, as the cheese and peas already add flavor. Finally, carefully fold in the beaten egg whites, gently mixing from the bottom up to maintain the airiness of the composition.

After obtaining a homogeneous mixture, pour it over the peas in the dish, drizzling with the remaining melted and cooled butter, then sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of grated cheese on top. Bake the dish at 180°C for about 45 minutes, or until the soufflé becomes golden and firm. Serve hot, definitely alongside a spoonful of sour cream, which will add a note of creaminess and perfectly complement the delicious flavors of the pea soufflé. This dish is not only nourishing but also a true delight for the taste buds!