Spicy Potato and Pea Soup

Vegetarian Spicy Potato and Pea Soup Recipe from India

Region / culture: India | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spicy Potato and Pea Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a chilly day. This soup is packed with hearty potatoes, sweet peas, and a blend of aromatic spices that will warm you from the inside out.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Indian cuisine, where potatoes and peas are commonly used in a variety of dishes. The combination of spices like garam masala, coriander, and cumin adds a depth of flavor to the soup that is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
3.5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
4 tbsp plain, nonfat yogurt
salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add potatoes, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Sprinkle the garam masala, coriander, and cumin over the potato mixture, then gently toss to coat and cook for an additional minute.
Add the vegetable broth and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the peas and yogurt, then season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, then serve.

Variations

Add diced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the potatoes into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the peas and yogurt.

- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of warm naan bread or over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

To speed up the cooking process, you can use a pressure cooker to cook the potatoes and onions before adding the broth.

- For a smoother texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender until desired consistency is reached.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sweet potatoes or butternut squash in place of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for plain yogurt for added creaminess.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of soup with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this soup contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Potato and Pea Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This soup is low in fat, with only 2 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

There are 5 grams of protein in each serving of this soup.

Vitamins and minerals

Spicy Potato and Pea Soup is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. However, it contains dairy in the form of yogurt.

Summary

Spicy Potato and Pea Soup is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is low in fat and calories. It is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spicy Potato and Pea Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with hearty vegetables and aromatic spices, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy a bowl of this flavorful soup with your favorite side dishes for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Spicy Potato and Pea Soup. It was a chilly winter afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Clara. Clara was an amazing cook, always experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I could smell the delicious aroma of spices wafting through the air.

Clara greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have a new recipe to share with you today," she said excitedly. "It's a spicy potato and pea soup that will warm you up from the inside out."

I watched as Clara gathered the ingredients from her pantry and fridge. She handed me a knife and a cutting board, instructing me to chop the potatoes into small cubes while she prepared the rest of the ingredients. As I chopped away, Clara regaled me with stories of how she had learned this recipe from an old friend who had traveled to India and brought back a love for spicy curries.

Once the potatoes were ready, Clara began sautéing them in a pot with onions, garlic, and a medley of spices. The kitchen filled with the rich fragrance of cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Clara added in some vegetable broth and let the soup simmer on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld together.

As the soup bubbled away, Clara shared with me the story of how she had first tasted this spicy potato and pea soup. It was during a trip to a small village in the mountains of India, where she had been invited to a local family's home for dinner. The matriarch of the family had prepared this soup for her, using ingredients from their own garden and spices from the nearby market.

Clara had been blown away by the bold flavors and comforting warmth of the soup. She had begged the matriarch for the recipe, scribbling down notes on a scrap of paper as the woman shared her cooking secrets. Clara had brought the recipe back with her, adapting it to suit her own tastes and adding her own twist with the addition of peas for a pop of color and sweetness.

As the soup finished cooking, Clara ladled it into bowls and garnished each with a dollop of tangy yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. We sat down at the kitchen table, steam rising from our bowls as we took our first spoonfuls. The soup was a symphony of flavors - spicy, savory, and slightly sweet from the peas.

We ate in contented silence, savoring each spoonful and relishing the warmth it brought to our bodies. As we finished our meal, Clara leaned back in her chair with a satisfied smile. "This soup is a keeper," she declared. "I know it will become a favorite in your kitchen as well."

And she was right. From that day on, spicy potato and pea soup became a staple in my own recipe collection. I shared it with friends and family, always crediting Clara for introducing me to this flavorful dish. And every time I make it, I think back to that winter afternoon in Clara's kitchen, where a simple bowl of soup brought us closer together and created a lasting memory of friendship and culinary delight.