The peas They are present in a wide variety of Chilean dishes. Its different presentations add flavor to the tables that reflect the traditions of this country and preserve gastronomic customs that are in charge of transmitting to the new generations.
Normally, they are part of the routine dishes of Chilean families because they are a source of many vitamins and minerals. They can be consumed in a delicious pea puree, stewed, with rice or in an exquisite pea soup. This content is dedicated to this last presentation.
However it was that they arrived in Chile, peas and their various preparations represent a nutritional option for those who do not have a wide variety of food sources within their reach. Next, we present information about what is known about its origin and its history.
history of peas
There are those who locate the origin of peas in the western part of the Asian continent. It is believed that from there it was taken to the southern part of Europe in the years when the Greeks and Romans ruled and later its cultivation spread throughout Europe as the Roman Empire expanded.
Its cultivation has been practiced since the beginning of agricultural activities, samples of peas have been found in archaeological sites thousands of years old. In 1860 the pea was used by Gregor Mendel in carrying out experiments in the area of genetics when he was laying the foundations of this branch of medicine.
Due to the fact that the cultivation of peas occurs in cool seasons, some historians link this fact with locating the origin of its development in Central Asia, Northeast India and also in Afghanistan.
Peas are harvested early and met nutritional needs in previously nomadic tribes and it is likely that travelers and explorers brought peas to Mediterranean areas.
Pea soup recipe
Next we are going to deal with one of the most frequent presentations in which peas are prepared: the pea soup. First of all we are going to know the ingredients that are used in this dish and then we will see how it is prepared.
Ingredients
Although there may be some variations depending on the tastes and preferences of the person who prepares them and the area of the country where it is consumed, the ingredients that are usually used in the preparation of the pea soup are the following:
a kilo of peas
Two liters of water
XNUMX large carrot and potato, chopped into small pieces
Three onions, three bell peppers, four cloves of garlic, and three chopped green or red chili peppers.
Cup and a half of chicken broth
Two tablespoons of soda
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil
Toasted bread cubes.
Preparation of the pea soup
Once all the ingredients are at hand, we proceed to prepare the pea soup following the following procedure:
Wash and choose the peas and also wash all the vegetables, which must be chopped into small pieces. The potato and carrot are also cut into very small pieces. Then we proceed to cook the peas after a process of soaking in water for two hours or so. The peas cook for two hours or more, enough to make them soft.
The dressings and the potato and carrot pieces should be added once the peas have softened, otherwise they fall apart and are lost during the long cooking time that the peas require. The result is seasoned with pepper and salt to taste and when ready it is customary to serve them with pieces of toasted bread. They are a true delight.
Tips for Making Delicious Pea Soup
The preparation of this delicious recipe has no major complications, it is simple and is normally part of the routine in many Chilean homes. However, a piece of advice never hurts, so here are some that it is good to keep in mind when starting the preparation of the pea soup:
- When serving, it is recommended to decorate the dishes with some chives and croutons.
- It is important to soak the peas long enough, at least two hours, because this will help them soften faster and deactivate the gas-producing components of the grain.
- It is important to use new peas in the preparation of the recipe, old beans are much more difficult to soften.
- It is important to discard the water where the peas have been soaked and cook them in new water. Some even advise changing the water halfway through cooking before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Using a pressure cooker greatly reduces the cooking time for the peas. In ten or fifteen minutes they will be soft and ready to be seasoned.
Did you know ….?
- Peas have energy components and provide many nutrients to the body.
- They contain fiber, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and protein. Its consumption is recommended in diabetic people and helps to reduce cholesterol levels.
- They have calming effects that are beneficial for the proper functioning of the nervous system and help to fall asleep.
- Carrots provide vitamin A which is excellent for eyesight, also antioxidants and due to their fiber content they help combat constipation problems.
- The potato, which is one of the ingredients in pea soup, has anti-inflammatory properties, so its regular consumption helps those who suffer from some type of arthritis.
- In addition, the potato contains iron, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C and B complex vitamins. It also provides antioxidant elements and provides us with natural energy.
