Turkish Pea Soup
Description
This delightful Turkish Pea Soup, adapted from a classic lentil recipe, boasts a rich flavor profile, enhanced by the unique smokiness of Urfa Pepper, which can be sourced from local Turkish grocery stores. For those who prefer a slightly different taste or texture, swapping peas for lentils is a viable option, resulting in a shorter cooking time and reduced water requirements.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 491.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 23.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 20.6 mg |
| Sodium | 432.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 51.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g |
| Sugars | 10.5 g |
| Protein | 21 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 2 slices |
| Celery | 4-6 stalks |
| Carrot | 1 medium |
| Tomato Sauce | 1 cup |
| Fresh Thyme | 2 tsp |
| Bay Leaf | 1 leaf |
| Water | 6-7 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
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Sauté the Bacon: In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat and add the bacon bits along with the Urfa Pepper. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
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Add Vegetables: Incorporate the chopped onion, celery, and carrot into the pan, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
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Incorporate Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and continue to stir for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sugars in the tomato to caramelize slightly.
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Season the Base: Add the fresh thyme, bay leaf, peas, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
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Add Water: Pour in 2-3 cups of water, enough to cover the mixture. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
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Simmer and Stir: Cover the pot and let it simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes. After this time, add another cup of water and continue to simmer, covered, for another 20 minutes.
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Check Consistency: Keep an eye on the pot, adding water incrementally until the peas are fully cooked and the soup reaches your desired consistency, typically around one hour of total cooking time.
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Blend for Texture: Use a hand blender to slightly blitz the soup while retaining some texture, ensuring pieces of bacon and carrot remain.
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Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf and allow the soup to rest for a few hours before serving to enhance the flavor. When reheating, adjust with additional water, salt, and pepper if needed.
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Serve and Enjoy: For an extra touch, crumble any leftover bacon on top before serving, along with a fresh grind of pepper.
This Turkish Pea Soup is perfect for cozy evenings and brings a warmth that reflects the heart of Turkish cuisine. Enjoy it with crusty bread or on its own for a comforting meal.
