Pea soup with dumplings

Pea soup with dumplings: a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will bring a smile to your face! This dish is not only comforting but also extremely healthy, rich in vitamins and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for chilly days or when you need an energy boost.

Here’s how to prepare this delicacy step by step, with useful tips and details to help you achieve an outstanding result!

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
For the soup:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 small celery (or 2-3 stalks of celery)
- 500 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 chicken stock cubes (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (approximately 1.5 liters)

For the dumplings:
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Flour (approximately 150 g, but you can adjust depending on the desired consistency)

Recipe history:
Pea soup with dumplings is a traditional dish enjoyed in many cultures. It is a simple recipe that brings together the basic ingredients found in any household. Peas, with their green hues and sweet taste, are an excellent source of protein and fiber, while the fluffy dumplings provide a pleasant texture and a perfect contrast to the soup. This recipe can be easily adapted, being favored by both children and adults.

Step by step for a perfect soup:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
- Start by finely chopping the onion. This will give a special flavor to your soup.
- Peel the carrots and celery, then grate the carrot on a large grater. You can cut the celery into small cubes for even cooking.

Step 2: Sautéing the vegetables
- In a large pot, add a little olive oil or butter and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent.
- Add the carrot and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. These vegetables will add a deep flavor to the soup.

Step 3: Adding the peas
- Add the peas to the pot and let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently. This step will intensify the flavors and encourage the peas to release their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Preparing the soup
- Add water up to approximately 1.5 liters and the stock cubes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the peas are tender. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 5: Preparing the dumplings
- In a bowl, crack the egg, add salt and pepper, then start adding flour gradually, mixing with a fork or spatula. The mixture should be soft enough to form dumplings but not too liquid. Adjust the amount of flour according to the desired consistency.

Step 6: Adding the dumplings
- When the peas are almost cooked, take a small teaspoon and wet it in water. Use this teaspoon to scoop portions of dough and carefully add them to the soup, letting them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they rise to the surface. The dumplings are ready when they become fluffy and light.

Serving:
Serve the soup hot, with a few spoonfuls of sour cream on top for added creaminess. You can also add a little chopped fresh parsley for a pleasant look and fresh aroma.

Practical tips:
- Check the freshness of the peas: If using fresh peas, choose pods that are firm and bright green.
- Perfectly fluffy dumplings: Do not overmix the dumpling dough; you want to keep them airy.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, to make the soup heartier. Additionally, for a more intense flavor, you can add a few bay leaves or a sprig of rosemary during cooking.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen peas?
- Of course! Frozen peas are an excellent choice as they are often frozen immediately after harvest, preserving their nutrients and flavor.

2. What other spices can I add?
- You can experiment with spices like thyme or marjoram for added flavor.

3. How can I make the soup spicier?
- Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes during cooking for an extra kick.

Nutritional benefits:
Pea soup is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. It is low in calories and rich in antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet. A serving of pea soup with dumplings can have about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream added and any additional ingredients.

This pea soup recipe is not only delicious but also a reminder of the comfort and warmth of childhood. I invite you to enjoy every spoonful and share it with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!