Polish pea soup

Polish pea soup

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Polish pea soup is a recipe that blends tradition with flavor, bringing a dash of warmth and comfort to every bowl. This soup is not only nutritious but also full of flavor, perfect for cooler days or when you need a comforting meal. Over time, pea soup has become a symbolic dish in many cultures, often served in the family at Sunday meals or on feast days.

Ingredients:
- 400 g chick peas
- 2 carrots
- 3-4 small potatoes
- 1 onion
- 1/4 red bell pepper
- 1 small fresh pork or veal bone (optional for a richer taste)
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- 200 ml sour cream
- juice of 1 lemon
- 150 g flour dumplings
- salt
- pepper
- oil
- green leaves (parsley or dill) for garnish

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables
The first step in creating this delicious soup is cleaning and chopping the vegetables. Wash the carrots, potatoes, peppers and onions thoroughly. The carrots should be cut into rounds, the potatoes into cubes and the bell peppers into small pieces. The onion can be left whole to give the soup a subtle flavor, which you can easily remove at the end of cooking.

2. Boiling the soup base
In a large pot, boil the bone (if using a bone) in 4 liters of water with a pinch of salt. Let the water come to the boiling point, then skim off the scum that forms on the surface. This step is essential for a clear and tasty soup.

3. Adding peas and vegetables
After skimming off the foam, add the peas and all the chopped vegetables (carrots, potatoes, peppers and onions). Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer for about 30 minutes. During this time the flavors will combine nicely and the vegetables will become tender and full of flavor.

4. Making the dumplings
In a separate bowl, beat 1 egg with 4 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of oil, stirring until smooth. If you find it too thick, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency. The dumplings are an important element of this soup and you can adapt them to your taste.

5. Boiling the dumplings
Bring a pot of water and a pinch of salt to the boil. When the water is boiling, use a spoon to break up the dumplings and dip them into the boiling water. Let them boil for about 10 minutes, then remove them and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking. This step will keep them fluffy and tasty.

6. Finalizing the soup
When the dumplings are done, add them to the simmering soup. To thicken the soup, add cream and lemon juice, which will add a pleasant acidity and a fine creaminess. Stir well, then simmer for a few more minutes. At the end, sprinkle chopped greens on top for extra freshness.

Serving
Serve the soup warm, ideal with a slice of fresh bread or with chili peppers for those who love a little spice. A personal suggestion is to try adding a few croutons of toasted bread for a nice contrast of textures.

Tips and variations
If you want to give your soup a twist, you can replace the bone with a few sausages cut into rounds, giving it a more modern and approachable touch. You can also experiment with different types of peas, such as yellow peas or split peas, for different flavors.

Nutritional benefits
Pea soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Peas are an excellent source of plant protein, fiber and essential vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet. The vegetables add antioxidants and minerals and the cream provides a dose of calcium.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen peas? Yes, frozen peas are a great alternative and will cook as well as fresh.
- What other ingredients can I add? You can experiment with zucchini or celery to diversify textures and flavors.
- How can I store the soup? Soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, or freeze for larger portions.

I end this recipe with the hope that you will try making this Polish Pea Soup and that with each bite you will feel the warmth and comfort of a family meal. Enjoy!