Creole Pea Soup

Creole Pea Soup Recipe from Guyana - Delicious and Flavorful Cuisine

Region / culture: Guyana | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 1.5 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Creole Pea Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is a staple in Caribbean cuisine. This soup is made with split peas, meat, and a variety of seasonings that give it a rich and savory taste. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold day.

History

Creole Pea Soup has its roots in the Caribbean, where it is a popular dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The recipe has been passed down through generations and has evolved over time to include different ingredients and seasonings. It is a dish that is often served at family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) soup meat
0.25 lb (113 g) salt beef
2 tbsp oil or margarine
0.5 cup split peas
2 pt (946 ml) water or stock
1 lb (454 g) ground provisions
1 onion
2 tsp salt (reduce if using salt beef)
0.25 tsp black pepper
eschallot, celery, thyme

How to prepare

Clean, wash, and soak peas overnight.
The next day, wash and cut up eschallot, celery, thyme, onion, and meat.
Soak salt meat for 0.5 hour before cutting up.
Heat oil until smoking, lightly fry the onion and eschallot, and set aside.
Brown any lean meat, but not bone or salt beef.
Put water or stock, meat, and peas to cook in a covered pot.
Bring to a boil.
Skim well and add prepared seasonings.
Reduce heat and simmer until peas are thoroughly softened and broken down (about an hour), swizzle if necessary.
Peel and wash provisions, cut into neat pieces or dice, add to the soup with salt, and cook until soft (about 30 minutes).

Variations

Add diced carrots or sweet potatoes for added sweetness and texture.
Use different types of meat, such as chicken or pork, for a different flavor profile.
Add coconut milk for a creamy and rich soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the split peas overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.

- Browning the meat before adding it to the soup adds depth of flavor.

- Swizzling the soup helps to break down the peas and create a smooth texture.

- Adding fresh herbs like thyme and eschallot enhances the flavor of the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Creole Pea Soup can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or bread. It can also be enjoyed as a starter or appetizer before a larger meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before adding it to the soup adds depth of flavor.

- Swizzling the soup helps to break down the peas and create a smooth texture.

- Simmering the soup on low heat allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of stock for a vegetarian version of this soup.

- Substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor.

- Use different types of ground provisions, such as yams or cassava, for variety.

Make Ahead Tips

Creole Pea Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Creole Pea Soup with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color. Serve in a bowl with a slice of crusty bread on the side.

Pairing Recommendations

Creole Pea Soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of plantains. It also goes well with a glass of red wine or a fruity cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Creole Pea Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Creole Pea Soup contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

Creole Pea Soup is a good source of carbohydrates, with split peas and ground provisions providing a healthy dose of energy. One serving of this soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This soup is relatively low in fat, with only 2 tablespoons of margarine used in the recipe. One serving of Creole Pea Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Creole Pea Soup is a protein-rich dish, with soup meat and salt beef providing a good amount of protein. One serving of this soup contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Split peas are a good source of fiber and folate, while ground provisions provide essential nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe contains meat and margarine, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Creole Pea Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Creole Pea Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this traditional Caribbean recipe with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Creole Pea Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in New Orleans. My grandmother, Mama Lucille, was a fantastic cook and she had a knack for creating delicious dishes that were full of flavor and warmth. One day, she invited me into the kitchen to help her make a pot of pea soup. As I watched her chop vegetables and simmer the soup on the stove, I knew that I was witnessing something special.

Mama Lucille had learned the recipe for Creole Pea Soup from her own mother, who had brought it with her when she moved to New Orleans from Haiti many years ago. The soup was a hearty and comforting dish, filled with the flavors of the Caribbean and the spices of the South. Mama Lucille had perfected the recipe over the years, adding her own special touch to make it truly her own.

As I helped Mama Lucille stir the pot of soup, she told me stories of her own childhood and the times she had spent in the kitchen with her mother. She spoke of the love and care that went into each dish, and how cooking was more than just a chore - it was a way to connect with her family and keep their traditions alive.

After the soup had simmered for hours and the aromas filled the kitchen, Mama Lucille ladled out a bowl for me to try. As I took my first spoonful, I was transported to a world of rich flavors and bold spices. The soup was a perfect balance of savory and sweet, with just the right amount of heat from the peppers and seasonings. I savored each bite, knowing that this was a recipe that I would carry with me for the rest of my life.

Over the years, I have made Mama Lucille's Creole Pea Soup countless times, each batch reminding me of the love and care that went into creating it. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish to the next generation. And as I stir the pot on the stove, I can feel Mama Lucille's presence with me, guiding my hands and filling my kitchen with warmth and love.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a comforting and flavorful meal, I urge you to try Mama Lucille's Creole Pea Soup. Let the rich flavors and bold spices transport you to a world of tradition and love, and savor each spoonful knowing that you are experiencing a recipe that has been passed down through generations. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be sharing it with your own loved ones, keeping the tradition alive for years to come. Bon appétit!