Roveja soup is a comfort food, an easy recipe with a country flavor. A traditional Umbrian recipe that can also be prepared with a pressure cooker (or Instant Pot). One of Grandma Benedetta’s favorite soups.
SEASONALITY of #driedroveja: all year round. It’s best to consume it within a year, or at most two from harvesting (the longer it sits, the more the dried legumes require soaking and prolonged cooking).
Recipes with less known legumes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Rest time: 12 Hours
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Regional Italian
- Region: Umbria
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 167.04 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 23.30 (g) of which sugars 2.27 (g)
- Proteins 9.72 (g)
- Fat 0.74 (g) of which saturated 0.07 (g)of which unsaturated 0.10 (g)
- Fibers 14.54 (g)
- Sodium 319.49 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 215 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Roveja Soup
- 5.3 oz roveja (from Castelluccio)
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- Half stalk celery
- 1 clove garlic (optional)
- 3 cups water
- to taste salt
- 2 tbsps semolina (or another flour)
- 1 drizzle extra virgin olive oil
- herbs (chopped rosemary, sage, and thyme)
- bread croutons
Optionally you can enrich this soup with:
🍀 potatoes diced, to be added 30 minutes before the end of cooking
🍀 tomato passata, to be added 10 minutes before the end of cooking
🍀 pasta, to be cooked in the already prepared soup
Tools
Choose the pan according to your preferences.
- Pan
Roveja Soup
SOAKING
Wash the roveja and place it in cold water for at least half a day. If bubbles form on the water’s surface, change it. Then, drain and rinse the legumes well before cooking.
SAUTÉ
Prepare the vegetables (onion, carrot, celery, and garlic), wash and cut them into small uniform pieces (alternatively, blend with a chopper).
Then place the vegetables in the pan and sauté with water (or, if preferred, with a little oil). Cook for about 10 minutes, then add the soaked roveja and let it gain flavor for a few minutes. Finally, add the water.
COOK the roveja soup
🍀 for about 2 hours in a steel or earthenware pot (in the case of earthenware, place a heat diffuser under the pot and let it reach heat gently to avoid breaking)
🍀 for about 40 minutes in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot
TOWARDS END OF COOKING
When the roveja is softened, add the salt and, if the water is too much, thicken it with one or two tablespoons of semolina (or another type of flour of choice).
SERVE HOT
🍀 with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
🍀 a chop of dried aromatic herbs
🍀 bread croutons
STORE the roveja soup
To store the roveja soup, let it cool and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it and thaw before reheating.
Roveja Properties
What is roveja good for?
Nutritionist Dr. Dal Bello says: “Roveja, like peas, boasts good protein content, contains carbohydrates, some minerals like phosphorus and potassium, and B vitamins. Like all other legumes, it is an excellent source of fiber and amino acids, especially if paired with a cereal.”
Contraindications
Roveja, being a legume, can cause digestive issues such as bloating and flatulence, especially if consumed in large quantities.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What does roveja taste like?
Roveja has a delicate and slightly sweet taste, similar to that of lentils or peas. On the palate, it can be described as a mix between the earthy flavor of legumes and a fresh, vegetal note. Perfect for preparing soups and rustic dishes, it offers a soft yet simultaneously crunchy texture.
Where can I find roveja?
Roveja can be found in organic food stores, well-stocked supermarkets, and some local markets. It can also be purchased on Amazon and online, on sites specialized in legumes or typical products.
