Peas Soup and Dumplings

Dumpling Soup made with pinto beans

Peas soup and dumplings or dumpling soup is the “official soup” of the Bahamas. There are some of us, however, who prefer using beans instead of peas, in which case, I guess, it becomes bean soup☺

It is quite common to consume a great deal of soup during the wintry months. Bahamians, on the other hand, devour this stuff year round. Besides, it is quite warm here almost every day, even in the “winter.”

Ingredients for a large pot of soup:

• Two 14 oz cans pigeon peas or pinto beans**
• 2 lbs all-purpose flour
• 2 lbs ham, diced (traditional meat used is salt beef)
• 2 lbs spare ribs (ask your butcher to cube them for you)
• 2 cups diced carrots
• 2 medium white sweet potatoes, cubed
• 2 plantains, sliced (medium ripe)
• Thyme
• Salt & Black Pepper to taste
• Hot Pepper (optional)

**You may use packaged peas/beans and cook according to the instructions on the package.

Instructions:

1. Scald ham and spare ribs for about 15 minutes.
2. Rinse of all residue and place in large pot filled with water.
3. Cook until meat is tender, adding water when needed. (Don’t allow the water to dry out).
4. Combine flour and water to make dough for the dumplings. Knead until smooth.
5. Roll the dough out and cut into strips (you may also hand-roll as I always do).
6. Add all remaining ingredients and dumplings. Season according to desired taste.
7. Cook for about 15 – 20 minutes or until soup has reached desired consistency.
8. Enjoy!!

Dumpling Soup made with pigeon peas