Namibian-style Red Peas Soup

Ingredients

In this Namibian adaptation of Red Peas Soup, we incorporate traditional Namibian spices and flavors to create a unique culinary experience. The original Jamaican recipe is typically spicier, while the Namibian version focuses on a harmonious blend of flavors with a milder heat. Additionally, we use locally available ingredients to ensure an authentic Namibian taste. We alse have the original recipe for Red Peas Soup, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried red peas 2 cups (400g) dried red peas
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups (1.4L) vegetable broth 6 cups (1.4L) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 8g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the red peas and soak them in water overnight. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes to the pot. Stir in the ground coriander, cumin, paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Add the soaked red peas to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour or until the red peas are tender.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
6. 6.
   Serve the Namibian-style Red Peas Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Red peas — Soaking the red peas overnight helps to reduce the cooking time and ensures they become tender.
• Dried thyme — If you prefer a stronger thyme flavor, you can use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme. Use 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• Serve the soup with freshly baked bread or cornmeal porridge for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.
• Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more vegetable broth if desired.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as butternut squash or bell peppers for added variety.

Serving advice

Serve the Namibian-style Red Peas Soup hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with freshly baked bread or cornmeal porridge for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprig of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve the soup in rustic ceramic bowls for an authentic Namibian touch.