Yes, you can definitely make German pea soup (Erbsensuppe) at home! It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s particularly popular in Germany, especially during the colder months. Here’s a simple recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
1 cup dried green peas (split peas)
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
12 potatoes, diced
23 cloves garlic, minced
12 bay leaves
12 teaspoons thyme (fresh or dried)
Salt and pepper to taste
12 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Optional: smoked sausage or bacon for added flavor
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peas: Rinse the dried peas under cold water to remove any impurities. Soak them for a few hours or overnight if desired, although it’s not necessary for split peas.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 34 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the diced carrots and potatoes to the pot, and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked and drained peas to the pot along with the broth. Stir in the bay leaves and thyme.
5. Cook the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 3040 minutes, or until the peas and vegetables are tender. If you want to add smoked sausage or bacon, you can slice it and add it to the pot in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
6. Blend the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired texture. Otherwise, you can leave it chunky.
7. Season: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread or rolls on the side!
Tips:
You can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like celery or leeks.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 34 days; it also freezes well.
Making German pea soup at home is a great way to warm up on a chilly day, and it’s quite easy to prepare! Enjoy your cooking!