Lombard-style Yellow Pea Soup

Ingredients

In this Lombard-style adaptation of the Swedish Yellow Pea Soup, we incorporate saffron, a key ingredient in Lombard cuisine, to infuse the soup with a distinct flavor and vibrant yellow color. The addition of saffron elevates the dish, giving it a unique Lombard twist while still maintaining the heartiness and comforting qualities of the original recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Yellow Pea Soup, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried yellow peas 2 cups (400g) dried yellow peas
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 6g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the dried yellow peas under cold water and soak them overnight.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Drain the soaked yellow peas and add them to the pot. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the peas are tender.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in a tablespoon of hot water. Add the saffron mixture to the soup and stir well.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and let the soup cool slightly. Using an immersion blender or a countertop blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
8. 8.
   Return the soup to the pot and reheat gently before serving.
9. 9.
   Ladle the Lombard-style Yellow Pea Soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of saffron threads, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To enhance the flavor and aroma of saffron, steep the threads in a tablespoon of hot water before adding them to the soup. This will help release the vibrant color and delicate taste of saffron.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can blend only a portion of the soup, leaving some whole peas for added texture.
• Serve the Lombard-style Yellow Pea Soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for added freshness.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can reduce the blending time or mash the peas with a fork instead.

Serving advice

Serve the Lombard-style Yellow Pea Soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or croutons for a satisfying meal. It pairs well with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of Lombard-style Yellow Pea Soup with a few saffron threads on top to add a pop of color and visual appeal. Serve the soup in elegant bowls or rustic earthenware for a touch of Lombard charm.