Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Romanian Green Pea Soup is the epitome of a cozy, healthy dish. With its vibrant green color, fresh flavors, and creamy texture, it’s both hearty and refreshing. The combination of thyme, dill, and lemon juice adds depth and a touch of brightness to the soup, while the garlic and onion give it a fragrant, savory base. Whether served as an appetizer or a light main course, this soup is sure to win over any crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen green peas
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- Optional: cream or yogurt for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the diced carrot and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Peas
- Add the green peas to the pot and stir well to mix with the vegetables.
Step 5: Add Broth and Herbs
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add the thyme and dill. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Bring to a Boil
- Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Step 7: Blend the Soup
- Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can blend it in batches in a countertop blender.
Step 8: Finish with Lemon
- Stir in the lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
Step 9: Adjust Consistency
- If the soup is too thick, add some extra broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 10: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: If you prefer a heartier soup, add cooked lentils or beans for extra protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the cream or yogurt garnish to keep the soup dairy-free.
- Chunky Version: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of the soup and leave some peas and vegetables whole.
Storage
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a couple of days. The flavors will deepen and develop even more as it sits.
Can I make this soup without an immersion blender?
Yes, if you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender. Just blend in batches and be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to prevent splattering.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh chopped chili peppers. You could also serve the soup with a spicy hot sauce or drizzle of chili oil.
Conclusion
This Romanian Green Pea Soup is a healthy, simple, and flavorful dish that makes the most of fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a light lunch. Whether you’re serving it on a cold day or for a light summer meal, it’s sure to satisfy. With the aromatic herbs, a hint of lemon, and creamy texture, it’s the perfect soup to enjoy year-round.
Romanian Green Pea Soup: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Romanian Green Pea Soup is a cozy, healthy dish with vibrant green color, fresh flavors, and creamy texture. The combination of herbs, garlic, and lemon adds depth and brightness to this savory soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Romanian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
2 cups fresh or frozen green peas
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1–2 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Juice of half a lemon
Optional: cream or yogurt for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the diced carrot and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the green peas to the pot and stir well to mix with the vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add the thyme and dill. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a countertop blender.
- Stir in the lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
- If the soup is too thick, add some extra broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
For added protein, you can add cooked lentils or beans to the soup.
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Skip the cream or yogurt garnish for a dairy-free version.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of the soup and leave some peas and vegetables whole.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg