Chadian Pea Soup

Chadian Pea Soup Recipe - Delicious African Cuisine

Region / culture: Chad | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chadian Pea Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold day. This soup is packed with nutritious ingredients and warming spices that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. The combination of green peas, sweet potatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices creates a delicious and comforting soup that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

Chadian Pea Soup is a traditional dish from Chad, a landlocked country in Central Africa. This soup is a staple in Chadian cuisine and is often enjoyed as a comforting and nourishing meal. The use of green peas, sweet potatoes, and a blend of spices reflects the rich culinary heritage of Chad and the influence of African and Middle Eastern flavors in the region.

Ingredients

2 cups chopped onions
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp vegetable oil
0.5 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
1 small habanero pepper, finely chopped
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
0.25 tsp ground cardamom
1 dash cloves (no more than 0.13 tsp)
0.25 tsp turmeric
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 sweet potato, diced (about 2 cups)
3.5 cups water
1 lb (454 g) frozen green peas, thawed

How to prepare

In a covered pot, sauté the onions gently in oil, stirring frequently, for 5 to 10 minutes until they become translucent.
Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Mix in the ginger, salt, and all the spices. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring often.
Add the tomatoes and sweet potato. Stir well.
Pour in 1.5 cups of water and stir.
Bring the soup to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.
Add half of the peas and simmer, covered, for another 10 minutes or until the peas and sweet potato are tender.
Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 cups of water.
In batches, purée the soup in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Return the soup to the pot, add the remaining peas, and gently reheat.

Variations

Add diced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
Substitute the sweet potatoes with butternut squash or pumpkin for a different twist.
Use coconut milk instead of water for a creamier and richer soup.
Stir in cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein and heartiness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the onions gently to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.

- Puréeing the soup in batches will help achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

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

- For a thicker soup, you can add more sweet potatoes or reduce the amount of water.

- Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Chadian Pea Soup can be served as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. Garnish the soup with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and texture. Pair this soup with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing herbal tea for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onions and spices before adding the liquid helps to develop the flavors of the soup.

- Simmering the soup gently allows the ingredients to meld together and create a harmonious blend of flavors.

- Puréeing the soup until smooth creates a velvety texture that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger as a substitute.

- Substitute the habanero pepper with jalapeño or red pepper flakes for a milder heat.

- Use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes if they are not in season.

- Frozen peas can be replaced with fresh peas or other green vegetables such as spinach or kale.

Make Ahead Tips

Chadian Pea Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. You can also freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chadian Pea Soup in individual bowls garnished with a swirl of yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also top the soup with croutons, toasted nuts, or a dollop of pesto for added flavor and texture. Pair the soup with a side of warm bread or crackers for a complete and satisfying meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Chadian Pea Soup pairs well with a variety of dishes and beverages. Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a selection of cheeses for a complete and balanced meal. Pair the soup with a glass of chilled white wine, a light beer, or a refreshing herbal tea for a delightful and satisfying dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chadian Pea Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Freeze any extra soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 10g

- Sugars: 11g

Fats

- Total Fat: 4g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 9g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120%

- Vitamin C: 40%

- Iron: 15%

- Calcium: 6%

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten.

Summary

Chadian Pea Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This soup is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. The combination of green peas, sweet potatoes, and spices provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients.

Summary

Chadian Pea Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends and family. This soup is packed with wholesome ingredients and warming spices that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a side, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Chadian Pea Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in Chad. My aunt was a wonderful cook, and she had a talent for creating delicious dishes using ingredients that were readily available in her village.

One day, as I watched my aunt preparing dinner, she began to gather all the ingredients for Chadian Pea Soup. I watched in awe as she skillfully chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes, and then added them to a pot with simmering water. She then added dried split peas, spices, and a few other vegetables before letting the soup simmer on the stove for hours.

As the aroma of the soup filled the kitchen, my mouth watered in anticipation. When it was finally ready, my aunt ladled the soup into bowls and served it with a side of freshly baked bread. I took my first spoonful and was immediately transported to a world of rich, savory flavors that I had never experienced before. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever tasted, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this soup for myself.

After that visit, I returned home with a newfound appreciation for Chadian cuisine and a determination to recreate the Chadian Pea Soup in my own kitchen. I began to experiment with different ingredients and techniques, trying to capture the essence of the soup that had captivated me so completely.

Over the years, I refined my recipe, adding my own personal touches and adjusting the seasonings to suit my own taste. I shared the soup with friends and family, who all marveled at its unique flavor and comforting warmth.

One day, a friend asked me where I had learned to make such a delicious soup. I told her about my aunt in Chad and how her Chadian Pea Soup had inspired me to create my own version. My friend suggested that I write down the recipe so that others could enjoy it as well.

And so, I sat down at my kitchen table with a pen and paper and began to jot down the ingredients and instructions for making Chadian Pea Soup. As I wrote, memories of my time in Chad flooded back to me, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my aunt and the culinary heritage she had passed down to me.

I have since shared the recipe with countless others, always urging them to savor each spoonful and appreciate the history and tradition behind this humble yet extraordinary dish. And as I continue to cook and share my Chadian Pea Soup with others, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other.

In every bite of Chadian Pea Soup, I taste the love and care that went into its creation, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pass on this delicious recipe to future generations. It is a reminder of the richness and diversity of the world's cuisines, and of the joy that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones.