Sandra's Pea Soup Recipe

Sandra's Pea Soup (Best Served with BESTER Family Red)

There are few things that say winter quite like a steaming bowl of pea soup. It's the kind of meal that's been warming South African kitchens for generations, filling the house with comforting aromas while it quietly bubbles away on the stove.

Sandra's recipe is exactly what you'd expect from her cooking: wholesome, unfussy, and made to feed the people you love. Pair it with thick slices of fresh bread, proper butter, and a generous glass of BESTER Family Red, and winter suddenly feels a whole lot cosier.

Ingredients

• 1½ packets (750 g) dried split peas, soaked overnight

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 medium onions, chopped

• 3 celery stalks, sliced

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

• 300-400 g Kassler chops, diced (or 250 g bacon, chopped)

• 2 litres chicken or vegetable stock

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• 1 tsp white pepper (or to taste)

  
  

Method

1. Soak the split peas overnight in plenty of cold water. Drain and rinse before cooking.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and cook for about five minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Add the potatoes and carrots, stirring everything together for another three to four minutes. Then add the diced Kassler chops or bacon and allow the meat to cook for a few minutes, releasing its smoky flavour into the vegetables.

4. Stir in the soaked split peas before pouring over the stock. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a slow simmer.

5. Leave the soup to cook gently for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. As the peas soften, they'll naturally break down and create the soup's rich, velvety texture. If it becomes thicker than you'd like, simply add a little extra stock or hot water.

6. Season with the salt and white pepper, remembering that both the stock and Kassler chops (or bacon) already contribute plenty of seasoning.

7. Serve piping hot with thick slices of fresh bread, real butter, and a glass of BESTER Family Red.

   
   

Simple. Honest. Comfort in a bowl.