Creamy Pea Stew with Smoked Bacon

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) peas 2 cups (400g) peas
• 4 slices smoked bacon, diced 4 slices smoked bacon, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Stir in the paprika and dried thyme, and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the peas to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
5. 5.
   Using a blender or immersion blender, puree half of the stew until smooth. This will give the stew a creamy consistency while still maintaining some texture.
6. 6.
   Return the pureed mixture to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Simmer the stew for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the creamy pea stew hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Peas — If using frozen peas, make sure to thaw them before adding to the stew.
• Smoked bacon — Opt for thick-cut bacon for a more pronounced smoky flavor.
• Vegetable broth — Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the saltiness of the stew.
• Heavy cream — For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
• Paprika — Choose a high-quality Hungarian paprika for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the stew.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip the step of pureeing half of the stew.
• Serve the creamy pea stew with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
• Customize the dish by adding other vegetables like carrots or potatoes.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the creamy pea stew as a main course with crusty bread on the side. It can also be accompanied by a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the creamy pea stew with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves to add a pop of color. Serve it in individual bowls or a large serving dish to showcase the vibrant green color of the stew.