Green Pea Soup Recipe

Green pea soup is a delightful and nutritious dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The tradition of making soup from fresh peas dates back to ancient civilizations, where peas were a staple crop in many cultures. It was a common practice to make use of every part of the pea plant, including the pods, to create flavorful and hearty soups.

To make a delicious and nourishing green pea soup, start by preparing your soup stock as usual. This can be done by simmering a combination of vegetables, such as carrots, onions, celery, and herbs, in water or vegetable broth. For a unique twist, add a pint of washed pea-pods to the soup stock. The pea-pods will infuse the broth with a unique sweetness and depth of flavor.

In a separate pot, heat a tablespoon of drippings. Drippings can be obtained from cooking meats or rendered fats, such as bacon fat or butter. Once the drippings are heated, add the fresh peas to the pot. You can use either fresh or frozen peas, depending on availability. To enhance the flavor and add a touch of freshness, finely chop some parsley and include it with the peas.

Cover the pot tightly and let the peas simmer on low heat. It's important to stir occasionally and ensure that the peas do not stick to the bottom of the pot. As the peas cook, they will release their natural juices, creating a luscious and flavorful base for the soup.

To prevent the peas from drying out, keep adding the prepared soup stock to the pot as needed. This will help maintain a smooth and creamy consistency as the peas cook.

Once the peas have become tender and soft, strain the soup stock to separate the liquid from any solids, including the pea-pods. Return the strained liquid to the pot and discard the solids. The strained soup stock should now be infused with the delightful flavors of the peas.

To season the green pea soup, add one teaspoon of salt and two teaspoons of sugar. The salt will enhance the savory notes in the soup, while the sugar will balance out the flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of the peas.

For an extra special touch, consider adding drop dumplings to the soup before serving. Drop dumplings are small, rustic dumplings that are quick and easy to make. They can be made by combining flour, baking powder, salt, and milk to form a thick batter. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the simmering soup and let them cook until they are light and fluffy.

Once the soup is seasoned to your liking and the dumplings are cooked, it is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Green pea soup is a versatile dish and can be enjoyed on its own as a comforting meal or served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or sandwiches. It can also be paired with crusty bread or served over rice for a more substantial meal.

Fun Fact: Green peas are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.

If you enjoy green pea soup, you may also want to explore similar recipe dishes such as split pea soup or pea and ham soup. Split pea soup is made using dried split peas, which have a slightly different flavor and texture compared to fresh peas. It is often cooked with ham hocks or bacon to add a smoky and savory element to the soup. Pea and ham soup combines the sweetness of green peas with the saltiness and richness of ham, creating a delicious and satisfying combination.

In conclusion, green pea soup is a delightful and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Its vibrant green color, delicate sweetness, and creamy texture make it a favorite among soup lovers. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a cold winter day or as a refreshing dish during the warmer months, green pea soup is sure to satisfy both your palate and your appetite.