Dive into a bowl of warmth and flavor with our African Spiced Yellow Split Pea and Sweet Potato Soup! This vibrant dish, brimming with aromatic spices and wholesome ingredients, is not just a meal; it's an experience that transports your taste buds to the heart of Africa. Perfect for a cozy evening or a gathering with friends, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s the ideal recipe for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine. Don’t miss out on this culinary adventure—let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: African
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow split peas
- 1 medium sweet potato, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the yellow split peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or impurities. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the aromatic spices and enhance their flavors.
- Add diced sweet potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them with the spice mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes to begin softening the sweet potatoes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed yellow split peas. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the split peas and sweet potatoes are tender and soft.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and pulse briefly before returning to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to reach desired consistency.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or a drizzle of yogurt for added richness.
Tips
- Rinse the Peas Well: Make sure to rinse the yellow split peas thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris and ensure a smooth texture in your soup.
- Sauté for Flavor: Take your time when sautéing the onions and spices; this step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors that will elevate your soup.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a creamier soup, blend it more thoroughly. For a chunkier texture, blend only a portion and leave some split peas and sweet potato pieces intact.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste! A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a delightful kick, or you can substitute with your favorite spices for a personalized touch.
- Garnish for Presentation: Enhance the visual appeal and flavor of your soup with fresh cilantro or a dollop of yogurt. It adds a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
- Make Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for a few days, and the flavors continue to develop, making it a great option for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
