Recipes for Discovering Pea Soup (Russian Style) soup from Russia

Simple Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups split peas
8 cups water
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste
fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

First, rinse the split peas under cold water.
Next, in a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is transparent.
Add the rinsed split peas, water, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the split peas are tender.
Dispose of the bay leaf and use an immersion blender or food processor to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can leave some peas whole for added texture.
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Heat on low until ready to serve.
Before serving, garnish each bowl of soup with fresh dill.
Congratulations! You have made a traditional Russian-style pea soup. Enjoy hot for the best taste.

Note:

This soup is perfect as a warming, comforting meal during chilly winter months. Pair it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Advanced Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dried split peas
6 cups water
1 smoked ham hock
2 onions, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Rinse the peas under cold water until water runs clear.
In a large saucepan, combine peas, water, ham hock, onions, carrots, garlic, bay leaves and marjoram.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for about 1 hour, until the peas are tender.
Once peas are tender, remove the ham hock, and allow it to cool. Then, pull the meat off the bones, and chop the ham into small pieces. Return the ham meat to the soup.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend together.
Your Russian style pea soup is ready to be served. Enjoy it with a slice of hearty bread or croutons.

Tips

If the soup becomes too thick as it cools, simply add a bit more water or stock to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
You can substitute ham hock with other smoked meats or sausages for a different flavor profile.
This soup is even better the next day when flavors have had a chance to meld together. It also freezes well.

Unraveling the Charm of Pea Soup, Russian Style

Pea Soup, particularly Russian style, holds a majestic place among the pantheon of hearty stews enjoyed worldwide. Unlike its western counterparts, Russian pea soup, also known as “Gorohovyj”, singularly encapsulates the rich culinary history and an age-old tradition of Russia. It is not just a soup, but a gastronomic experience that transports you to the heart of a Russian household.

Made primarily with dried peas, potatoes, carrots, and smoky meats, the Gorohovyj stands as a symbol of rustic comfort food. It’s thick, creamy texture and luscious green color is a visual treat which is perfectly complemented by its smoky, slightly sweet and earthy tang. Its characteristic taste comes from the peas breaking down as they cook and infusing the stock with their nutty flavor. Then comes the mirepoix – a combination of finely diced carrots, onions, and, occasionally, celery – sautéed and added to elevate the soup’s overall savory depth. Often, smoked ham or sausages are intertwined to foster a robust character, and the soup is finished with a flurry of fresh herbs, delivering a final note of freshness.

Regardless of the simplicity in its ingredient list, the Russian Style Pea Soup is a testament of culinary brilliance. It is:

Incredibly easy to make and budget-friendly, aligning with traditional Russian values of making nutritious food accessible to all.

Satisfyingly hearty and comforting, thanks to the added potatoes and meat, making it a perfect accompaniment in the biting Russian winters.

Packed full of fiber and protein from the peas, making it a powerhouse of nutritional benefits.

Great as leftovers because it continues to deepen in flavor after the first day.

In essence, the Russian Style Pea Soup is more than a culinary delight; it’s a thick, savoury link to Russia’s plentiful, vibrant history and a testament to the resilience of its people.

Exploring the Nuances of Russian Pea Soup

Of many distinct flavors originating from the Russian kitchen, Russian Pea Soup is surely one of the most beloved. This traditional dish has been passed down through generations and has often been considered a staple food especially during the long, cold winter months. The soup gets its body from dried peas, typically whole green or split yellow peas, which are known for their hearty texture and somewhat sweet, nutty flavor. Notably, other ingredients generally include root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions, which provide a satisfying, earthy dimension to the soup.

Traditionally, Russian Pea Soup is made with a ham bone, or ‘kost’, which literally translates to ‘bone’ in Russian. Smoked pork ribs can also be used for an extra savory depth. However, it’s worth mentioning that contemporary versions have seen vegetarian adaptations using vegetable broth, making this hearty dish accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, the soup is often seasoned with herbs and spices such as garlic, bay leaf, and black pepper, which brings a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the peas. A spoonful of sour cream is oftentimes served on top, its tart creaminess beautifully offsetting the rich flavors of the soup.

It’s not an overstatement to say that no two families in Russia make the same peas soup. Each family adds a personalized touch, creating a variety of versions – some prefer it smooth and creamy, while others like it thick and chunky. In some regions, sauerkraut and pickles are added to lend a tangy note, and in others, barley and rye bread are added to thicken the soup. Some of the optional additions to the soup are:

Sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor
Smoked sausage for additional richness
Marjoram for a hint of sweetness
Dill or parsley for freshness

Thus, the enjoyment of Russian Pea Soup transcends its modest ingredients, offering a taste of Russia’s culinary heritage in a bowl.

Authentic Russian-Style Pea Soup: Traditional Creation and Contemporary Arrangements

Renowned for its nourishing properties, the Russian-style Pea Soup, ushered from the cold terrains of Eastern Europe, has transcended borders and captured the hearts of gourmands worldwide. Its origin traces back to the humble farming families where ingredients were sourced from their local stocks to concoct a hearty bowl of soup to combat the freezing winters. This soup stands as an emblem of togetherness, representing communal dining and shared laughter in warming households.

Derived from the simplicity of its ingredients and method of preparation, the Russian-style pea soup traditionally consists of split peas, onions, carrots, potatoes, and assorted fresh herbs, simmered slowly to a perfect richness. Its tangy and earthy undertones make it a versatile dish that blends seamlessly with multiple cuisines. It holds the remarkable ability to standalone, or be jazzed up with some modern twists:

Pea Soup-Stuffed Pierogi: An exciting fusion where traditional Russian dumplings meet the hearty pea soup. The soup is thickened using flour to a puree consistency and used as a stuffing for Pierogi, served with sour cream and fresh dill.
Pea Soup with Smoked Meats: A delicious twist on the hearty Russian soup that’s given a unique flavour profile with the addition of smoked meats, sausages or bacon. It elevates the dish to a whole new level of umami.

In conclusion, despite its humble roots, Russian-style Pea Soup carries an unmistakable character, embedded in its rich and hearty flavour. Its flexibility in pairing enhances its global appeal and invites endless interpretations. Embraced as a simple meal to a gourmet dining choice in a gourmand’s world, it stands testament to the timeless charm that classic culinary traditions possess. Whether served in a family dinner or a sophisticated soirée, it brings a piece of rustic Russia to the dining table.

Explore the Heritage of Pea Soup in the Russian Culture

The origin of Pea Soup solidly embeds in the rich and complex history of Russia. The country, a behemoth transcending Eastern Europe and northern Asia, boasts an undeniably robust culinary heritage. As a nation that has endured everything from tsarist opulence to communist austerity, Russia’s food culture is woven from a fabric of historic survival, geography, and tradition, providing an array of interesting dishes extensively including soups like Shchi, Borscht, Ukha, and our soup in question – the hearty Russian Style Pea Soup.

Nested in this vast part of the paradigm, Pea Soup has been a significant part of the food culture, especially in the colder territories. Russia’s climate widely varies from tundra and subarctic in Siberia to a subtropical climate along the Black Sea. These climatic variations, along with Russia’s broad topography – sprawling steppes, deep forests, fertile valleys, and icy tundra – have shaped its food culture. With harsh and unyielding winters, dishes that could be easily preserved and cooked efficiently like Pea Soup have been perennially preferred.

Historically, peasants have primarily cultivated peas in Russia. Secured by ease of storage, peas have often been used in various Russian staples, thereby anchoring the Pea Soup’s popularity across several centuries. Owing to these factors, along with the essential simplicity and nutritional value, the Pea Soup continues to be a staple.

The vast geography and varying climate across Russia, from the icy tundras to fertile valleys, have played a major role in shaping its culinary landscape, with an emphasis on hardy and easily preserved foods like pea soup.
Despite the modern urbanization, traditional dishes like Pea Soup continue to narrate the story of Russian heritage and its culinary evolution.
Pea Soup also tells a story of survival and adaptation, from tsarist extravagance to communist austerity, enduring through changes and hardships.

Exquisite Pairings for Russian Style Pea Soup

As an expert in global soups, I can assure you that the Russian style pea soup presents a combination of robust flavors that deserve equally captivating accompaniments. A universal characteristic of this widely cherished soup is its thick consistency and hearty, satisfying taste derived from split peas, often bolstered with chunks of smoked meats.

A quality white wine or a light-bodied red wine make excellent pairings for this dish. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc’s high acidity will cut through the richness of the soup, while its grassy undertones complement the pea base. Alternately, a light-bodied red like a Pinot Noir can bring out more complex, smoky flavors if the soup contains meat, like bacon or ham. For those who are not wine-inclined, a lighter beer, such as a Pilsner or Wheat beer, can also be a delightful accompaniment to the soup, providing a refreshing contrast.

In terms of solid accompaniments, Russian style pea soup is commonly served with Russian black bread, a dense, hearty bread rich in flavor that holds up well against the soup’s thickness. You can also consider:

Pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers or sauerkraut, as their bright tartness provides a delightful contrast to the richness of the soup.
Cured meats, complementing the smoky elements within the soup and adding an extra layer of flavor.
Hard cheeses, for an extra dose of creaminess and rich, indulgent mouthfeel to the overall dining experience.

Whether you’re a committed gourmand looking to explore Russian cuisine or just a soup enthusiast wanting to elevate your dining experience, the successful pairing of drinks and sides can profoundly enrich your enjoyment of this traditional Russian dish.

Exploring Variations of Russian Style Pea Soup Around the World

Preparing a Russian style pea soup is an art in itself, a combination of traditional culinary methods and ingredients ingrained in the Russian culture, making it a heart-warming delicacy that shines with its simplicity. Characterised by green peas as the main ingredient, it also features potatoes, onions, carrots, and herbs with smoked meats for a flavourful twist. This soup has had its presence for centuries and forms an integral part of Russian cuisine.

In examining similar global versions to this Russian favourite, we can see common elements and varying tweaks in cooking methods and ingredients. For instance, Sweden’s Ärtsoppa, a pea soup variant traditionally served on Thursdays, holds close similarities to the Russian style pea soup. The primary difference lies in the usage of yellow peas instead of green, and the frequent addition of mustard for a tangy element. Moving further to the United Kingdom, the quintessential split pea soup also shares common ground with its Russian counterpart. Containing dried split peas, onions, and ham with added spices, this soup is also time tested and captures the essence of British cuisine.

Rassolnik (Russia): This is another Russian soup that, while not based on peas, does incorporate pickled cucumbers for a unique tang and barley for body. Served hot, Rassolnik’s heartiness is reminiscent of the pea soup, providing comfort during harsh winters.
Snert (The Netherlands): Also known as Dutch Pea Soup, Snert is packed with split peas, pork, celery, onions, leeks, and carrots. This dense soup is traditionally eaten during the cold winter months and shares similarities with the Russian style pea soup, including its dense texture and hearty ingredients.
Pumpkin and Pea Soup (Australia): Although it is a contrast in terms of the main ingredient, this Australian soup delicacy primarily uses pumpkin and adds green peas for sweetness. This inclusion of peas makes it analogous to the Russian version in a colourful way.

Exploring these variations allows us to delve into the diversity of world cuisines while also appreciating the influence and universality of humble ingredients like peas.