Pea soup with smoked meat – a recipe that brings comfort home
Pea soup with smoked meat is one of those recipes that combines the flavor of simple ingredients with culinary tradition, offering not just a nourishing meal but also a memorable culinary experience. This soup is perfect for chilly days or for moments when you want to indulge in a warm and comforting dish. Over the years, this recipe has been adapted and reinterpreted, but its essence remains the same – a delicious combination of peas, smoked meat, and aromatic herbs that can turn any meal into a special occasion.
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Necessary ingredients:
- 1 bag of frozen peas (approximately 400 g)
- 300 g smoked meat (ribs or smoked ham)
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for extra color)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 eggs
- 1 heaping tablespoon of flour
- 150 ml milk
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt, pepper, sweet paprika
- Fresh or dried mint (optional, but recommended for an aromatic taste)
Preparing the pea soup with smoked meat:
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by peeling the onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Cut the onion into small cubes, the carrots into rounds or cubes, and the bell pepper into similarly sized pieces. This will ensure even cooking and a pleasant appearance of the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then add the carrots and bell pepper, continuing to sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they soften slightly. This step is essential to intensify the flavors.
Step 3: Add the smoked meat
Immediately after the vegetables have been sautéed, add the smoked meat cut into medium pieces. Mix well and let it fry for 5 minutes. The smoked meat will add a deep, savory flavor to the soup, and the combination with the vegetables will create a perfect base.
Step 4: Seasoning
Sprinkle sweet paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Sweet paprika will not only provide a beautiful color but will also add a note of warmth. Mix everything to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Boil the soup
Add water (approximately 1.5 liters) to the pot and let the soup boil. When the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the smoked meat is tender and the flavors have combined.
Step 6: Add the peas
When the meat is cooked, add the frozen peas and let it boil for 15 minutes. The peas will add a sweet element and a pleasant texture to the soup, and the colors will combine beautifully.
Step 7: Prepare the egg drops
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the eggs with the flour until you get a homogeneous mixture. Using a fork, gradually pour the mixture into the soup while stirring constantly. This step will form the egg drops, which will add an interesting texture to the soup.
Step 8: Finalize the soup
After adding the egg drops, take the milk and mix it with a few tablespoons of hot soup to temper it. Then pour the milk mixture into the pot and let it boil for another 5 minutes. The milk will add a delicate creaminess to the soup, enriching the overall flavor.
Step 9: Serve
Once the soup is ready, serve it hot, garnished with a spoonful of sour cream and, if desired, with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of flavor. You can accompany the soup with a slice of fresh bread or croutons for a complete meal.
Chef's tip:
If you want to add an even more intense note of flavor, you can add a few bay leaves during boiling or even a crushed garlic clove. Also, if you prefer a thicker soup, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen ones or add some diced potatoes.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas are excellent! Just make sure to boil them for only a few minutes, as prolonged cooking can alter the texture.
2. What type of smoked meat is best?
Ribs or smoked ham are excellent options, but you can also experiment with other types of smoked meat, such as sausages or bacon.
3. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of chili or hot paprika during cooking to give it a bit of heat.
Nutritional benefits:
Pea soup is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, with a moderate calorie content. Peas are an excellent source of iron and B vitamins, while the smoked meat adds essential protein. This soup is ideal for a light meal or as a hearty lunch.
Recipe variations:
To add an interesting twist, you can replace the peas with lentils or green beans. You can also turn the soup into a vegetarian option by eliminating the smoked meat and adding tofu or seitan for protein.
Pea soup with smoked meat is more than just a simple meal; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth in every bite. Enjoy your meal!
Pea soup with smoked meat is one of those recipes that combines the flavor of simple ingredients with culinary tradition, offering not just a nourishing meal but also a memorable culinary experience. This soup is perfect for chilly days or for moments when you want to indulge in a warm and comforting dish. Over the years, this recipe has been adapted and reinterpreted, but its essence remains the same – a delicious combination of peas, smoked meat, and aromatic herbs that can turn any meal into a special occasion.
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Necessary ingredients:
- 1 bag of frozen peas (approximately 400 g)
- 300 g smoked meat (ribs or smoked ham)
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for extra color)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 eggs
- 1 heaping tablespoon of flour
- 150 ml milk
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt, pepper, sweet paprika
- Fresh or dried mint (optional, but recommended for an aromatic taste)
Preparing the pea soup with smoked meat:
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by peeling the onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Cut the onion into small cubes, the carrots into rounds or cubes, and the bell pepper into similarly sized pieces. This will ensure even cooking and a pleasant appearance of the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then add the carrots and bell pepper, continuing to sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they soften slightly. This step is essential to intensify the flavors.
Step 3: Add the smoked meat
Immediately after the vegetables have been sautéed, add the smoked meat cut into medium pieces. Mix well and let it fry for 5 minutes. The smoked meat will add a deep, savory flavor to the soup, and the combination with the vegetables will create a perfect base.
Step 4: Seasoning
Sprinkle sweet paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Sweet paprika will not only provide a beautiful color but will also add a note of warmth. Mix everything to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Boil the soup
Add water (approximately 1.5 liters) to the pot and let the soup boil. When the soup begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the smoked meat is tender and the flavors have combined.
Step 6: Add the peas
When the meat is cooked, add the frozen peas and let it boil for 15 minutes. The peas will add a sweet element and a pleasant texture to the soup, and the colors will combine beautifully.
Step 7: Prepare the egg drops
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the eggs with the flour until you get a homogeneous mixture. Using a fork, gradually pour the mixture into the soup while stirring constantly. This step will form the egg drops, which will add an interesting texture to the soup.
Step 8: Finalize the soup
After adding the egg drops, take the milk and mix it with a few tablespoons of hot soup to temper it. Then pour the milk mixture into the pot and let it boil for another 5 minutes. The milk will add a delicate creaminess to the soup, enriching the overall flavor.
Step 9: Serve
Once the soup is ready, serve it hot, garnished with a spoonful of sour cream and, if desired, with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of flavor. You can accompany the soup with a slice of fresh bread or croutons for a complete meal.
Chef's tip:
If you want to add an even more intense note of flavor, you can add a few bay leaves during boiling or even a crushed garlic clove. Also, if you prefer a thicker soup, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen ones or add some diced potatoes.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas are excellent! Just make sure to boil them for only a few minutes, as prolonged cooking can alter the texture.
2. What type of smoked meat is best?
Ribs or smoked ham are excellent options, but you can also experiment with other types of smoked meat, such as sausages or bacon.
3. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of chili or hot paprika during cooking to give it a bit of heat.
Nutritional benefits:
Pea soup is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, with a moderate calorie content. Peas are an excellent source of iron and B vitamins, while the smoked meat adds essential protein. This soup is ideal for a light meal or as a hearty lunch.
Recipe variations:
To add an interesting twist, you can replace the peas with lentils or green beans. You can also turn the soup into a vegetarian option by eliminating the smoked meat and adding tofu or seitan for protein.
Pea soup with smoked meat is more than just a simple meal; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth in every bite. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
1 bag of frozen peas, smoked meat (ribs, smoked ham), 2 carrots, 1 bell pepper, 1 onion, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon of flour, 150 ml of milk, olive oil, salt, pepper, sweet paprika, mint (can also be in a packet)