Satisfy your cravings with our hearty and flavorful Split Pea Stew with Cauliflower! This wholesome recipe combines tender split peas, earthy cauliflower, and aromatic spices for a nutritious and comforting meal.
## Split Pea Stew with Roasted Cauliflower
### A Nourishing and Flavorful Vegan Treat
This comforting and satisfying split pea stew, infused with roasted cauliflower’s earthy sweetness, is a wholesome vegan delicacy that will warm you from the inside out. Its rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavors make it a delightful indulgence for any occasion.
### Ingredients
**For the Split Pea Stew:**
– 1 cup dried split peas, picked over and rinsed
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
**For the Roasted Cauliflower:**
– 1 head of cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
#### Instructions
**Roasting the Cauliflower:**
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cauliflower florets, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and cumin. Toss to coat.
3. Spread the cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
**Making the Split Pea Stew:**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine split peas, vegetable broth, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, cumin, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour, or until split peas are tender.
3. Add roasted cauliflower and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until stew has thickened.
4. Season with salt to taste.
**Serving:**
Serve the warm and creamy split pea stew with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping. Top with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an extra burst of flavor.
### Nutritional Benefits
This split pea stew not only offers a satisfying and comforting culinary experience but also provides a wealth of essential nutrients:
– **High in Fiber:** Split peas are an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which support healthy digestion and promote satiety.
– **Rich in Protein:** This dish provides a substantial amount of plant-based protein, making it a great option for vegans and vegetarians.
– **Packed with Vitamins and Minerals:** Split peas and cauliflower are packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, all crucial for overall health.
– **Low in Fat:** This stew is low in fat, making it a heart-friendly choice.
### Variations
To customize this split pea stew to your liking, consider the following variations:
– **Creamy Variation:** For a richer, creamier stew, blend 1 cup of cooked split peas until smooth and add it back to the pot.
– **Vegetable Medley:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this stew, such as chopped potatoes, zucchini, or green beans.
– **Smoky Flavor:** For a smoky depth of flavor, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the stew during the cooking process.
– **Spiced Variation:** For a more flavorful experience, increase the amount of cumin and pepper to taste.
### Storage
Store leftovers of this split pea stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months.
### Conclusion
This split pea stew with roasted cauliflower is an exceptional culinary creation that combines heartwarming comfort with exceptional nutritional value. Its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and roasted cauliflower’s earthy sweetness will undoubtedly make it a favorite in your kitchen. So embrace this delectable vegan dish and savor its nourishing goodness.
