Zirni Soup with a Smokey Twist

This delightful soup combines simple ingredients with a touch of richness to create a comforting and satisfying dish. Featuring yellow peas, it has a hearty texture and a tantalizing flavor, perfect for warming up on chilly days. The inclusion of butter, onions, celery, and carrots adds layers of aroma and taste, while the final puree results in a velvety smooth consistency. The dish is seasoned to perfection with salt and pepper, offering a balanced and savory appeal. While traditionally served thick, it can be adjusted to preference by thinning with broth or water. This versatile recipe is ideal as both a starter and a main course. Simple yet flavorful, it captures the essence of homestyle cooking. Enjoy the nutritional benefits of legumes while indulging in a culinary treat. Pair the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 liters of broth
• 350g yellow peas
• 75g butter
• 1 onion
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 carrot

Spices:

• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

Total Time: 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by soaking the yellow peas in water for a few hours or overnight to soften them.
2. In a large pot, pour in the broth and bring it to a boil.
3. Add the soaked yellow peas to the boiling broth. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes until tender.
4. While the peas are cooking, finely dice the onion, celery, and carrot.
5. In a separate pan, melt 25g of the butter over medium heat.
6. Sauté the diced vegetables in the melted butter until they are soft and translucent, about 7-10 minutes.
7. Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the peas and broth.
8. Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture simmer for an additional 40-50 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well-cooked.
9. Once the soup ingredients are tender, use a kitchen blender or food processor to puree the soup to a smooth consistency.
10. If the soup appears too thick, adjust the texture by adding more broth or water until desired consistency is reached.
11. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
12. For an extra touch of creaminess, blend in the remaining butter.
13. Return the pureed soup to the pot and heat it over low heat until it is warmed through.
14. Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the pot.
15. Check the seasoning once more before serving, adjusting as necessary.
16. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
17. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
18. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave, stirring frequently.
19. For a smokey twist, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika during cooking.
20. Enjoy your warm and comforting zirni soup!

Tips

• **To enhance flavor, use homemade broth or a high-quality store-bought variety.**
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve some of the peas and vegetables before blending.
• Add a few slices of bacon or smoked sausage for additional depth of flavor.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Protein: 10g
• Fats: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 35g

Variations

• **Vegetarian:** Use vegetable broth and substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine.
• Add a hint of spice with red pepper flakes or cayenne for those who like it hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of crusty bread or croutons for added texture.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color.

Best Places

• Pea Soup Andersen's - Famous for its rendition of split pea soup, offering a cozy and traditional experience. Location: 376 Avenue of the Flags, Buellton, California, USA.
• The Soup Peddler - A variety of hearty soups, including vegetarian options and creative flavors. Location: 501 West Mary Street, Austin, Texas, USA.
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• Soup by Klim - Known for its authentic and decadent soups, paired with homemade bread. Location: 15a Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street, Moscow, Russia.
• The Soup Spoon - Features a fusion of Asian and Western-style soups. Location: 290 Orchard Road, Singapore.
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• Manoush'eh - Serves traditional Lebanese soup varieties in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Location: 265 East 10th Street, New York City, New York, USA.
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