Pigeon Pea Soup

Traditional Pigeon Pea Soup Recipe from Spain

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Pigeon pea soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is popular in many Caribbean and Latin American countries. This soup is made with pigeon peas, also known as gandules, which are a type of legume that is rich in protein and fiber. The soup is typically made with a combination of vegetables, herbs, and spices, making it a delicious and nutritious meal option.

History

Pigeon pea soup has a long history in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. Pigeon peas are believed to have originated in India and were brought to the Caribbean and Latin America by Spanish and Portuguese colonizers. The soup has since become a staple dish in many countries in the region, with each country adding its own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

4 oz (113 g) lean salt pork, diced
1 cup chopped spanish onions
1 tsp chopped garlic
1 large tomato, peeled and chopped
1 to 2 leaves of cilantro
1 bay leaf
0.5 tsp crumbled dried oregano
a pinch of saffron
6 to 10 green Spanish cocktail olives
1 tsp of capers
1 medium green pepper, finely chopped
4 oz (113 g) lean cooked ham, cut into dice cubes
1 lb (454 g) of calabaza (pumpkin), cut into cubes
1 qt (946 ml) chicken stock
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Fry the salted pork in a skillet over moderate heat until crisp.
Add the onion and garlic, cook until soft and transparent, then pour everything into a 4 qt (3.78 liter) casserole dish.
Add 1 qt (946 ml) of chicken stock. If desired, you can also add 1 cup of rice at this time.
Add the chopped tomatoes, green peppers, and ham, and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the pumpkin cubes, capers, bay leaf, oregano, saffron, cilantro, capers, and green pigeon peas ("gandules"). Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to simmer, cover tightly, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of this soup, you can omit the salt pork and ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
You can also add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or potatoes to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to the soup, try sautéing the vegetables in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the pot.

- For a thicker soup, you can puree some of the cooked pigeon peas before adding them back to the pot.

- If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add some hot pepper sauce or chopped jalapeños to the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Pigeon pea soup can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or crusty bread. You can also garnish the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious pigeon pea soup is to simmer the ingredients slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed to ensure a well-balanced and flavorful soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find pigeon peas, you can substitute with other types of legumes such as black beans or kidney beans. You can also use canned pigeon peas if fresh ones are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Pigeon pea soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To make your pigeon pea soup look more appetizing, you can garnish it with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve the soup in a colorful bowl for an extra pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pigeon pea soup pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve the soup with a side of rice or cornbread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pigeon pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a pot and heat over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pigeon pea soup contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie option for those looking to maintain or lose weight.

Carbohydrates

Pigeon pea soup is a good source of carbohydrates, with each serving containing approximately 30 grams of carbs. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

Pigeon pea soup is low in fat, with each serving containing only about 5 grams of fat. The fat in this soup comes primarily from the lean salt pork and ham, making it a relatively healthy option for those watching their fat intake.

Proteins

Pigeon pea soup is a great source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 15 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this soup a nutritious option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Pigeon pea soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy vision, while vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system. Iron is important for preventing anemia and maintaining healthy blood cells.

Alergens

Pigeon pea soup may contain allergens such as pork and ham. If you have a pork or ham allergy, be sure to check the ingredients carefully before consuming this soup.

Summary

Overall, pigeon pea soup is a nutritious and delicious option for a hearty meal. It is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a well-rounded dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Pigeon pea soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind, as if it happened just yesterday. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in the countryside. Maria was known far and wide for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to trying out her latest creations.

On this particular day, Maria invited me into her cozy kitchen and began to prepare a hearty pot of Pigeon Pea Soup. I watched in awe as she skillfully chopped vegetables, simmered the peas, and seasoned the broth with a blend of aromatic spices. The rich, savory aroma that filled the air was simply irresistible, and I knew I had to learn how to make this soup for myself.

As Maria cooked, she regaled me with tales of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had in turn inherited it from generations past. She spoke of the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and of the magic that happened when they were combined in just the right way. I listened intently, absorbing every detail and committing it to memory.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the soup was finally ready. Maria ladled out steaming bowls for us to enjoy, and I took my first sip with eager anticipation. The flavors exploded on my tongue, warm and comforting, with a depth and complexity that I had never experienced before. I savored every spoonful, feeling grateful to have been given the gift of this timeless recipe.

When I returned home that evening, I couldn't stop thinking about the Pigeon Pea Soup. I knew that I had to recreate it in my own kitchen, to share with my family and friends. I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following Maria's instructions as closely as I could remember.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling my home with its tantalizing scent, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over me. I was carrying on a tradition, preserving a piece of culinary history that might otherwise have been lost. And as I sat down to eat with my loved ones, watching their faces light up with pleasure, I knew that I had succeeded.

Over the years, I have made Pigeon Pea Soup countless times, each batch a little different from the last as I tweak and adjust the recipe to suit my own tastes. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a hearty, nourishing soup that warms both body and soul, a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients combined with care and love.

I am grateful to Maria for sharing this recipe with me, for passing down a piece of her family heritage that I can now pass on to future generations. And as I sit here now, savoring a bowl of Pigeon Pea Soup made with my own hands, I am filled with a sense of connection to all the women who came before me, who kept this tradition alive through their love of cooking and sharing good food with others.

And so, as I continue to cook and bake, to experiment and create in my kitchen, I carry with me the lessons I have learned from Maria and from all the other wonderful cooks who have crossed my path. I cherish the memories of those shared moments, the laughter and camaraderie, the joy of discovering new flavors and techniques.

And as long as I have breath in my body and a fire in my stove, I will keep on cooking, keep on learning, keep on sharing the magic of food with all who are willing to taste and see. For in the act of preparing a meal for others, we offer not just sustenance for the body, but nourishment for the spirit, a taste of love and tradition that transcends time and place. And for that, I am truly grateful.