Creamy Gray Pea Soup with Smoked Meat

This delicious and hearty creamy gray pea soup with smoked meat is the perfect comfort meal for chilly days. Packed with nutritious vegetables and succulent smoked meat, this soup offers a rich and satisfying flavor experience. The addition of sour cream gives it a creamy texture, while fresh dill adds a burst of freshness. This dish is not only perfect for family meals but also for entertaining guests. With roots in classic comfort food traditions, this soup is both nourishing and filling. It's a wonderful way to enjoy traditional ingredients in a modern and appealing way. Simple to prepare, yet impressive in taste, this creamy soup makes for a delightful main course or a cozy appetizer. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe easy to follow and highly rewarding.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

0.5 kg jar of gray peas with bacon
400 g smoked meat (with some fat)
2 celery stalks
4 large potatoes
3 carrots
Fresh dill
2 garlic cloves
Bouillon cube
Sour cream

Preparation Time

Total time: 40 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by thoroughly washing all the vegetables. Dice the potatoes, carrots, and celery stalks into cubes for even cooking.
Start Cooking the Vegetables: Add the diced vegetables into a large pot and cover them with water. Add the bouillon cube for flavor. Bring the water to a boil.
Add Seasonings: After adding the bouillon, mix in some salt and pepper to taste. Let the vegetables simmer for about 15 minutes.
Integrate the Peas: After simmering, add the gray peas along with their bacon to the pot and stir well.
Continue Simmering: Allow the soup to cook for another 10 minutes, blending the flavors together.
Prepare the Meat: While the soup is simmering, cut the smoked meat into cubes and sauté it in a pan with chopped garlic until it's slightly crispy and golden.
Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed meat and garlic to the simmering soup, stirring it thoroughly.
Blend for Creaminess: Once all ingredients are thoroughly cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency, creating a creamy texture.
Add Creaminess: Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream for added richness.
Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Top with freshly chopped dill before serving.

Tips

Blending Texture: For a chunkier soup, blend partially and leave some vegetable cubes intact.
Substitutions: If smoked meat isn’t available, use any flavorful sausage or ham.
Additional Flavor: Add onions while sautéing the meat for extra flavor depth.

Nutritions

Calories: Approx. 350 per serving
Proteins: 20g
Fats: 15g
Carbohydrates: 30g

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace smoked meat with smoked tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Herb Variations: Substitute dill with parsley or thyme for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve this soup with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
Garnishes: Add a dollop of sour cream on top before serving or sprinkle with crunchy croutons.

Best Places

Le Pain Quotidien - Offers cozy vibes with gourmet soup options. Location: Rue de Seine, Paris, France.
Balthazar - Known for its hearty and traditional European dishes. Location: Spring Street, New York City, USA.
Soup Street Cafe - Features a variety of homemade soups. Location: Queen Street, Toronto, Canada.
MOMOsita's - Perfect for a warm soup on the go. Location: Smith Street, Melbourne, Australia.
Cafe Des Artistes - Combines classic soup flavors with contemporary flair. Location: Puente de La Palma, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Savannah Coffee Roasters - Premium soups and artisanal breads. Location: Liberty Street, Savannah, USA.
The Soup Spoon Union - Lifestyle-focused cafe with diverse soup offerings. Location: Marina Bay Link Mall, Singapore, Singapore.
SoupCycle - Provides sustainable, locally sourced soup choices. Location: NW 6th Ave, Portland, USA.
The Ladle & Leaf - Known for its creamy soups and satisfying flavors. Location: Montgomery Street, San Francisco, USA.
The Soup Kitchen - Offers comfort and familiarity in every bowl. Location: Manchester Rd, Manchester, UK.