Malawian-style Peas and Dumpling Soup

Ingredients

In this Malawian adaptation of the German Peas and Dumpling Soup, we incorporate the unique flavors and ingredients of Malawian cuisine. The original German recipe is typically made with bacon or ham, but in this version, we use a combination of aromatic spices to enhance the flavors. Additionally, we replace the traditional German dumplings with a combination of flour and cornmeal to give the dish a Malawian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Peas and Dumpling Soup, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried peas 2 cups (400g) dried peas
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 70g, 8g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 15g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the dried peas and soak them in water overnight. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the soaked peas, ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground turmeric to the pot. Stir well to coat the peas with the spices.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1 hour or until the peas are tender.
5. 5.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water and mix until a soft dough forms.
6. 6.
   Shape the dough into small dumplings and drop them into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.
7. 7.
   Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried peas — Make sure to soak the peas overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the soup.
• You can add diced vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the peas before adding the dumplings.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.

Serving advice

Serve the Malawian-style Peas and Dumpling Soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional ground cumin or coriander on top of the soup before serving. The vibrant green color of the peas and the golden dumplings will make the dish visually appealing.