Pea soup with bone and dumplings

Pea soup with bone and dumplings - a warm, comforting recipe perfect for cool days or celebrating the simple moments of life. This soup combines the delicate taste of peas with the rich flavors of vegetables and bone, bringing a touch of nostalgia to our tables. I will explain each step to achieve a perfect soup with fluffy dumplings that will transform each serving into a true delicacy.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 jar of peas (800 g)
- 1 veal bone (or smoked meat, as preferred)
- 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 garlic clove (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1 slice of celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon of pepper paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 lemon juice
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of white flour
- 150 g sour cream (or yogurt, for a lighter version)

History of the recipe:
Pea soup has deep roots in Romanian culinary tradition. A recipe passed down from generation to generation, it reflects the simplicity and richness of local ingredients. Peas, a staple ingredient in many households, combine with veal bone to create a deep and comforting flavor. Dumplings add texture, and the combination of vegetables offers a bouquet of aromas that entice the senses.

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by cleaning and washing all the vegetables. The onion, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper should be diced small for even cooking. These vegetables will provide a flavorful base for your soup.

2. Boiling the ingredients: In a large pot, add 4 liters of water and bring it to a boil. When the water starts boiling, add the veal bone and the chopped vegetables. Don’t forget to add salt to enhance the flavors. Let it boil for 15 minutes.

3. Preparing the dumplings: In a bowl, beat the two eggs until frothy. Gradually add the white flour, stirring continuously, to achieve a consistency similar to sour cream. This will be the base for your dumplings.

4. Adding the peas: After 15 minutes, drain the peas from the jar and add them to the pot with the soup. Continue boiling everything for another 10 minutes. This step is essential because the peas need to soften but still remain slightly crunchy.

5. Forming and adding the dumplings: Using a spoon, take small portions of the dumpling mixture and add them to the boiling soup. Being very light, the dumplings will float to the surface when they are ready. Let them boil for 5-7 minutes.

6. Finalizing the soup: Check if the carrot is well cooked, which will indicate that the soup is ready. Adjust the taste with sour cream mixed with a few tablespoons of hot broth, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to add a touch of freshness.

7. Serving: The pea soup is ready! Serve it hot, sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley for an extra splash of color and flavor. You can also offer some lemon slices on the side for those who prefer a more citrusy taste.

Variations and suggestions:
If you want to change the recipe a bit, you can replace the sour cream with yogurt for a lighter and healthier version. Instead of veal bone, you can use poultry or even a vegetarian version by omitting the meat altogether. The dumplings can be enriched with herbs or cheese for a distinctive note.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like iron. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the ingredients used, making this soup a healthy and filling option.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it is recommended not to include the dumplings, as they may become mushy upon thawing.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add a bit of hot pepper or cayenne pepper during preparation for a spicy taste.

3. What drinks pair well with pea soup?
A refreshing drink, such as herbal tea or lemonade, is perfect to accompany the soup.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This pea soup with bone and dumplings will never disappoint, being a dish that brings joy and warmth to any home. Enjoy your meal!