Red peas soup is a hearty and comforting Caribbean dish that is traditionally served throughout the region. It is a thick and creamy stew made with red peas, coconut milk, vegetables, herbs, and spices. The soup has deep and complex flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Red peas soup is a great way to indulge in the flavors of the Caribbean without leaving your home. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or as a main dish, red peas soup is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.Red Peas Soup is a delicious comfort food. It’s a perfect meal for a cold winter day, or any day that you want something warm and comforting. The soup is made with red split peas, vegetables, and spices, which come together to create a hearty and flavorful soup. Red Peas Soup can be served with crusty bread or crackers for an easy and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Ingredients You Need to Make Red Peas Soup
Red peas soup is a traditional Caribbean dish with a long history. It is made from dried red peas that are cooked with a variety of other ingredients, such as vegetables, spices, and herbs. The soup is hearty and flavorful, and can be enjoyed as a main dish or side dish. To make the best red peas soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dried red peas: Red peas are the main ingredient in red peas soup. They provide the flavor base and help thicken the soup. Look for dried red peas at most grocery stores or health food stores.
Vegetables: You can include any vegetables you like in your soup, such as onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bell peppers, and potatoes. These will add flavor and nutrition to your dish.
Herbs and spices: To give your soup more flavor, you can add herbs and spices such as thyme, oregano, cumin, turmeric, bay leaves, allspice berries or ground allspice powder.
Stock: Stock adds flavor to your soup and helps thicken it up. You can use chicken stock or vegetable stock depending on your preference.
Coconut milk: Coconut milk adds creaminess to the soup without making it too heavy or rich. It also helps balance out the flavors of the other ingredients.
These are all of the ingredients you need to make a delicious pot of red peas soup! With these items on hand you can whip up this traditional Caribbean favorite in no time at all!
Ingredients
Red peas, 1 ½ cups; Water, 2 ½ cups; Salt, to taste; Onion, 1 small; Garlic cloves, 3-4; Scotch bonnet pepper, 1; Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons; Thyme leaves (optional), 2 sprigs.
Preparation
Wash and rinse the red peas several times in cold water and soak overnight. Drain the peas and set aside. Peel and chop the onion and garlic cloves. Remove the stalk from the scotch bonnet pepper and chop finely (optional).
Cooking
In a medium pot on medium heat, heat vegetable oil for about a minute or two. Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and scotch bonnet pepper to the pot and sauté for another minute or two until fragrant. Pour in the red peas with water into the pot and stir everything together. Add salt to taste. Simmer on low/medium heat for about 25-30 minutes until red peas are cooked through. Add thyme leaves (optional). Simmer for another 5 minutes if adding thyme leaves.
Once cooked through, serve hot with boiled plantains or white rice as desired. Enjoy!
Benefits of Eating Red Peas Soup
Red peas soup is a traditional Caribbean dish that has been around for generations. It is a hearty and nutritious meal that provides many health benefits. Red peas are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help protect your body from disease and keep you feeling energized. The soup also contains complex carbohydrates, which can help to keep you full longer and help manage blood sugar levels. Here are some of the key benefits of eating red peas soup:
Rich in Nutrients
Red peas are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, folate, thiamin and vitamin C. These nutrients can help to boost your immune system, improve digestion and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
High in Fiber
Red peas are high in dietary fiber which helps to promote a healthy digestive system. The fiber helps to keep you regular by providing bulk to stools and promoting regular bowel movements. Additionally, fiber helps to slow down digestion which can help to keep you feeling fuller longer.
Good Source of Protein
Red peas are a great source of plant-based protein which is important for building muscles and helping the body recover from injury or intense exercise. Protein also helps keep you feeling full for longer periods of time which can be beneficial if you’re trying to lose weight.
Eating red peas soup can be a great way to incorporate more nutrition into your diet. In addition to being rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it also provides dietary fiber and protein that can help promote overall health. So next time you’re looking for a healthy meal option try red peas soup!
Gather the Necessary Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for a perfect Red Peas Soup. You will need red peas, onion, garlic, celery, carrot, thyme, black pepper and vegetable or chicken stock. It is also important to have a few extra ingredients on hand such as bay leaves, parsley and hot pepper sauce.
Soak the Red Peas Overnight
The most important step in making a delicious Red Peas Soup is to soak your red peas overnight. This will help soften them and make them easier to cook. Once you have soaked your red peas overnight, drain off any excess water and rinse them in cold running water.
Cook the Vegetables
Once you have soaked the red peas overnight, it’s time to start cooking! Begin by sautéing your onion and garlic in a large pot until they are fragrant. Add in the celery and carrots and continue to sauté for another few minutes until they are softened. Add in some thyme and black pepper for flavor.
Add the Stock & Peas
Next add your vegetable or chicken stock to the pot along with the red peas. Bring everything up to a boil before reducing the heat to low and simmering for about 45 minutes or until the peas are soft. Make sure to stir occasionally during this time.
Finish & Serve
Finally add in any additional herbs or spices you like such as bay leaves, parsley or hot pepper sauce. Simmer for another 10 minutes before serving your Red Peas Soup with some crusty bread or warm tortillas. Enjoy!
Red Peas Soup Recipe Variations
Red peas soup is a delicious and hearty dish. It is a traditional Caribbean favorite and can be found in homes all over the region. There are many ways to make red peas soup, but the basic ingredients are usually the same. The main components are red peas, vegetables, spices and seasonings. To create variations of this classic dish, you can use different types of vegetables and seasonings to change up the flavor profile. Here are some delicious variations on the traditional red peas soup recipe:
One variation is to use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Sweet potatoes add a unique flavor to the soup and provide additional fiber and vitamins. You can also add diced bell peppers for sweetness or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. For additional flavor, try adding thyme, bay leaves or other herbs that you enjoy.
Another variation is to use coconut milk instead of regular milk or cream in your recipe. Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and tropical flavor to the soup. You can also add diced pineapple for sweetness or diced mango for an interesting twist on the traditional red peas soup recipe. For added flavor, try adding curry powder, ginger or other spices that you enjoy.
Finally, you can also experiment with different types of beans in your red peas soup recipe. Try using black beans or kidney beans for an interesting change in texture and flavor. You can also add different vegetables such as corn or carrots for added nutrition and color. For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder, cumin or other herbs that you enjoy in your recipes.
Different Types of Dried Peas You Can Use in Red Peas Soup
Red peas soup is a traditional Caribbean dish that has been around for generations. It is made with dried peas, which add a unique flavor and texture to the dish. There are a variety of types of dried peas that can be used in red peas soup, each with its own unique qualities. This article will discuss the different types of dried peas that can be used in red peas soup.
Split Red Peas
Split red peas are one of the most common types of dried peas used in red peas soup. They are small, round, and have a mild, nutty flavor. The split red pea is easy to cook and has a creamy texture when cooked. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and other important nutrients.
Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas are another popular choice for making red peas soup. These small beans have a nutty flavor and creamy texture when cooked. Black-eyed peas are an excellent source of fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.
Crowder Peas
Crowder peas are larger than split red or black-eyed peas but still have a mild flavor and creamy texture when cooked. These beans are full of fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients that make them an excellent addition to any meal.
Pigeon Peas
Pigeon peas are another great option for making red beans soup. These beans have a slightly sweet taste and creamy texture when cooked. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients that make them an ideal choice for those looking to get more nutrition in their meal without compromising on taste or texture.
Nutritional Value
Red peas soup is a nutritious and tasty meal. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, as well as protein. It contains high amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. Red peas are also rich in dietary fiber, which can help regulate digestion and improve the absorption of essential nutrients. Red peas are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect against certain diseases and promote overall health. Additionally, red peas contain a variety of antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
Calories
Red peas soup is low in calories with about 100 calories per serving. This makes it an ideal meal for those who are trying to lose or maintain their weight. It is also high in protein, providing about 7 grams per serving which helps to keep you feeling full longer and supports muscle growth and repair.
Fat Content
Red peas soup has little fat content with only 1 gram per serving. The fat content comes mostly from healthy unsaturated fats such as monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs). These types of fats are beneficial for heart health and may help reduce cholesterol levels when eaten in moderation.
Carbohydrates
Red peas soup contains about 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Most of these carbohydrates come from complex carbohydrates such as starches which provide long-lasting energy throughout the day. Additionally, the carbohydrates found in red peas soup are mostly fiber which can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote intestinal health.
Conclusion
Red Peas Soup is a delicious and versatile dish that has been enjoyed in many cultures for centuries. It can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even as a side dish. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also incredibly nutritious and packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. It can be enjoyed both hot and cold, depending on preference. Red Peas Soup can also be easily adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs, making it suitable for all types of eaters. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a delicious meal to enjoy at home, Red Peas Soup is sure to please.
So the next time you’re looking for something new and exciting to try in the kitchen, give Red Peas Soup a shot! You won’t regret it.