Pea soup
The base of this delightful dish is peas, of course! Dried split green peas are the traditional go-to but other types of peas, such as yellow or petite varieties, can also be used. The peas are simmered slowly in broth or stock, sometimes with ham hocks and vegetables, until they become soft and creamy. The resulting thick, savory soup is flavored to perfection with a variety of herbs, spices, and seasonings.
Some people like to top their pea soup with croutons, bacon bits, chunks of cheese, shredded or diced meat, or a dollop of sour cream. Others enjoy their soup just as it is. It’s also a wonderful canvas for experimenting with other flavors. A drizzle of sherry or a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes can transform a basic pea soup into an extraordinary culinary experience.
Because it’s so versatile and easy to make, pea soup is popular all over the world. French cooks simmer their own version with leeks and bay leaves, while Thai cooks often add coconut milk and ginger. Some Middle Eastern cooks add chickpeas, tomatoes, and lemon juice to give their soup a delightful zing.
No matter how you prepare it, pea soup tastes best when it’s served hot with a crusty piece of bread. So why not enjoy a bowl of this scrumptiousness tonight?
Pea soup recipes
Amazing Pea soup recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Pea soup
Pea soup has been a delicious dish for centuries, delighting tongues and captivating culinary imaginations. It is an ancient dish that has had a significant influence on many cultures around the world.
The origin of pea soup is clouded in mystery and debate has persisted for centuries as to its precise origin. Some believe it originated in Ancient Greek Cuisine, while others credit Northern Europe with the invention of the humble pea soup. What is known is that the Romans adopted the dish and elevated it to a level of sophistication that made the pea soup a widely appreciated delicacy.
In the Middle Ages, peasants began to embrace the delicious vegetable stew as a staple part of their diets. Peas were inexpensive and easy to cultivate, making them a popular crop across Europe. As the recipe evolved over time, various ingredients were added to enhance the flavor, such as root vegetables, herbs, and spices - although each regional cuisine also added its own unique flair to the dish.
In modern times, pea soup has become a comforting dish enjoyed by everyone from children to the elderly. Its versatility allows it to be adapted to suit different tastes, with options ranging from more robust flavors to those that are milder and more subtle.
For the passionate foodie, pea soup is nothing short of a culinary joyride, taking you on a journey back through history as you savor the flavors and appreciate the rich heritage associated with this beloved dish. Every bite is a reminder of the creative minds that helped bring us this delicious dish, and the captivating story behind its origin!
Types of Pea soup
Pea soup is a beloved dish that has captivated the hearts and appetites of nations around the world. With its subtle yet hearty flavor, delectable texture, and comforting warmth, this classic dish has stood the test of time as a perennial favorite. But despite its simplistic charm, pea soup can be prepared in a variety of scrumptious ways. From its traditional iteration to its more modern cousins, each rendition offers its own unique spin on the beloved classic.
The traditional version of pea soup is one of the oldest and most beloved renditions of the ever-popular dish. Starting off with dried green split peas, it's cooked slowly in a rich, flavorful broth with smoky bacon for a classic take on the dish. Depending on where you're from, the recipe may vary slightly; some cultures add vegetables such as potatoes, celery, carrots, or onion, while others opt for just the simple trio of bacon, green split peas, and broth.
Vegan versions of pea soup have also become increasingly popular over the years. The main difference being that this version substitutes the bacon for vegetable broth; other ingredients remain the same (Green split peas, onion, celery, potatoes, carrots). Additionally, vegan versions often incorporate fresh herbs and spices to add an extra punch of flavor to the mix.
Smoky pea soup—made with smoked ham hocks, dried green split peas, celery, potatoes, onions, and herbs—is a variation that takes the traditional version several levels up. The smoked ham hock infuses the soup with an irresistible smoky aroma and flavor; it's no wonder why this variation is a favorite among pea soup fans.
For those after the creamiest of pea soup variants, try cream of pea soup. This rendition incorporates the same basic ingredients as that of the traditional version, but swaps out the bacon for a fresh cream roux. Adding a touch of richness and depth to the taste, cream of pea soup is one of the most savory renditions of the dish.
Lastly, there is vegan creamy pea soup, which takes the essence of the vegan version then adds an extra layer of decadence via a vegan cream alternative. This version takes the humble pea soup to a whole new level of luxury.
No matter how it's served, one thing remains consistent—pea soup is scrumptious! So next time you're looking for a delicious dish, look no further than the beloved pea soup.