Green Pea Soufflé

Green Pea Soufflé Recipe from Romania - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Green Pea Soufflé is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party. This light and fluffy soufflé is made with fresh green peas, eggs, flour, milk, and a touch of dill for added flavor. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course.

History

The origins of the Green Pea Soufflé are not entirely clear, but soufflés in general have been a popular dish in French cuisine for centuries. The word "soufflé" comes from the French verb "souffler," which means "to blow" or "to puff." Soufflés are known for their light and airy texture, which is achieved by incorporating whipped egg whites into the base mixture.

Ingredients

2 lb / 1 kg green peas
3 tbsp butter
3 eggs
2 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
minced dill
salt

How to prepare

Clean and wash the green peas, then boil them with some salt.
Once cooked, drain the peas and set them aside.
Melt the butter in a pan, then add the flour and fry it slightly.
Gradually add the milk to the pan, stirring continuously.
Remove the pan from heat and add the egg yolks one by one.
Once the mixture has cooled down, fold in the whipped egg whites mixed with the cheese.
Add the cooked green peas to the mixture and mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a buttered mold.
Bake at medium heat.
Serve warm.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor.
Mix in some grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese for extra richness.
Substitute spinach or asparagus for the green peas for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form to ensure that the soufflé rises properly.

- Fold the whipped egg whites gently into the base mixture to maintain the airiness of the soufflé.

- Avoid opening the oven door while the soufflé is baking, as this can cause it to collapse.

- Serve the soufflé immediately after baking, as it will begin to deflate as it cools.

Serving Suggestions

Green Pea Soufflé can be served as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled fish.

- It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and satisfying vegetarian main course.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat the oven before baking the soufflé to ensure even cooking.

- Use a gentle folding motion when incorporating the whipped egg whites to avoid deflating the mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use frozen peas instead of fresh peas if they are not in season.

- Margarine or oil can be used in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

- Gluten-free flour can be substituted for regular flour for those with gluten sensitivities.

Make Ahead Tips

The base mixture for the soufflé can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

- The soufflé can also be assembled in the baking dish and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soufflé with fresh dill or parsley before serving. - Serve the soufflé in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Green Pea Soufflé pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

- It also goes well with a light salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Green Pea Soufflé can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- To reheat, place the soufflé in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- A serving of Green Pea Soufflé contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

- Green peas are a good source of carbohydrates, providing around 21 grams per cup.

- The flour in this recipe adds additional carbohydrates, with about 12 grams per tablespoon.

Fats

- Butter is the main source of fat in this recipe, with about 11 grams per tablespoon.

- The eggs also contribute some fat, with around 5 grams per egg.

Proteins

- Eggs are a rich source of protein, providing around 6 grams per egg.

- Green peas also contain protein, with about 8 grams per cup.

Vitamins and minerals

Green peas are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese.

- Eggs are a good source of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, milk, cheese) and eggs, which are common allergens.

Summary

Green Pea Soufflé is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Green Pea Soufflé is a delightful and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. With its light and airy texture and fresh pea flavor, this soufflé is a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy this elegant dish as a side or main course for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Green Pea Soufflé. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We lived in a small town, where fresh ingredients were abundant and cooking was a way of life.

One summer afternoon, I was helping my mother prepare dinner when she handed me a faded old cookbook. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Green Pea Soufflé caught my eye. The vibrant green color and fluffy texture intrigued me, and I knew I had to give it a try.

My mother explained that the recipe had been passed down from her own mother, who had learned it from a friend many years ago. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost hear my grandmother's voice guiding me through each step.

I gathered the fresh peas from our garden, cracked the eggs from our chickens, and measured out the flour and butter from our pantry. I followed the recipe to the letter, folding the whipped egg whites into the creamy pea mixture with care.

As the soufflé baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water with anticipation. When the timer finally dinged, I opened the oven door to reveal a golden-brown masterpiece, risen high and proud in its soufflé dish.

I couldn't wait to taste my creation, and when I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures unlike anything I had ever experienced before. The light and airy soufflé melted in my mouth, the sweetness of the peas mingling perfectly with the richness of the eggs and cheese.

From that moment on, Green Pea Soufflé became a staple in our household, a dish that I would make again and again for family gatherings and special occasions. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to my grandmother and her friend, grateful for the gift of a recipe that had been passed down through generations.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a pinch of nutmeg here, a sprinkle of Parmesan there. But the heart of the dish remains the same, a tribute to the simple joys of cooking and the love that goes into every homemade meal.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe for Green Pea Soufflé, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment. Cooking has always been more than just a way to feed my family – it is a way to connect with my past, to honor the traditions of those who came before me, and to share a piece of myself with the world.

And so, whenever I make Green Pea Soufflé, I do so with a heart full of memories and a soul brimming with love. For this recipe is not just a dish – it is a story, a legacy, a piece of my family history that I will cherish and pass on for generations to come.