Jamaican Gungo Peas Soup

All Jamaicans love this hearty, hefty Jamaican Gungo Peas Soup. It is vegan, delicious, easy to prepare, and nourishing. It freezes well for use later which makes it the perfect meal for a hectic Weekday evening.

One of my favorite dishes is Jamaican Gungo Pea Soup, which comes in second only to my all-time favorite, Red Pea Soup. Almost all of the components in the two soups are the same except the type of beans.

Gungo Pea Soup, a classic Jamaican soup, is thick and hearty, loaded with vegetables, and packed with dumplings. This soup can serve as a dinner on its own because it’s so filling.

When I was growing up, Saturday was always soup day; it was hands down the day of the week I looked forward to the most.

Jamaican Gungo Peas Soup was typically made in our home with meat, but after shifting to a vegan lifestyle I started making a vegan version. This soup contains gluten-free dumplings, so it is also perfect for gluten-free dieters. Indulge in some super comfort food!

As always, I suggest you read the complete article for useful tips and tricks. However, you can find the detailed recipe with exact ingredients and step-by-step instructions below on the recipe card.

What are Pigeon/Gungo Peas?

In Jamaica, they are known as Gungo Peas, despite the fact that you may recognize them as pigeon peas. This small, round legume has a delectable, nutty flavor and grows in pods. Usually used in rice and peas, a favorite Jamaican dish. Gungo peas are also used in other Jamaican cuisines like to prepare soup or stews, but they also have a variety of health benefits.

I grew up eating this soup quite frequently, especially around the Christmas holiday season because that’s when most of the gungo peas (pigeon peas or gandules were harvested. It was traditionally cooked with meat so I prepared a meat-free version here. I also included a gluten-free dumpling. This is where comfort food is at!

Health Benefits Of Pigeon Peas

Pigeon peas are low in fat and high in protein and fiber.

A 100 grams serving of pigeon peas contains:

• 343 calories
• 15 grams of fiber
• 62 grams of carbohydrates
• 21 grams of protein
• I.48 grams of fat

For more nutritional facts see Organic Facts.

Pigeon peas are very nutritious and they have a lot of health benefits. They are high in protein, fiber, folate, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. They contain important amino acids namely methionine, lysine, and tryptophan.

Although Gungo Peas are a popular Christmas dish in Jamaica it is more than just a Christmas staple; it has many health advantages and should be eaten routinely.

• Gungo peas contain potassium, which is known to aid with dilating blood vessels and bringing down blood pressure. So, consuming these peas decrease blood pressure and lessen blood vessel constriction. Hypertension patients should consume it frequently.
• These peas’ high protein composition promotes growth and development. It is necessary for the development of tissues, muscles, and bones. Additionally, it helps the body’s healing and cell regeneration processes.
• Gungo peas are rich in organic compounds that help prevent anemia and inflammation, and these compounds are also used to heal the plant’s seeds, leaves, and peas. In order to cure piles, also known as hemorrhoids, mashed gungo peas are used as a paste.
• Gungo peas are a great food to help you lose weight because they are low in calories, cholesterol, and saturated fat. It contains a lot of fiber, which will make you feel fuller for longer and speed up your metabolism. In addition, because they contain Vitamin B, Riboflavin, and Niacin, eating them helps avoid fat storage and increases energy.
• Consuming gungo peas also strengthens the immune system and supports heart health. To get this benefit of gungo peas, it is recommended to chew on raw green seeds. You can consume them raw, yes.
• Dietary fiber, which is crucial for preserving the health of the intestinal system, is abundant in gungo peas. Additionally, it lessens diarrhea, bloating, cramping, and constipation.
• Gungo peas can also be used to get rid of parasitic body worms. They are also used to treat bronchitis, jaundice, and lung disease.

Ingredients

• Gungo peas: You can use fresh or frozen.
• Vegetable broth: Use an organic vegetable broth that’s also gluten-free or make your own with leftover vegetables. Another option is to use 2 bouillons plus 8 cups of water.
• Coconut milk: Coconut milk gives a creamy texture to this soup.
• Onion: Gives flavor to the beans. You can use yellow, white, or red onions in this recipe.
• Green onion: Add a grassy yet savory flavor to your soup. If you don’t have green onions, you can use scallions as well.
• Red bell pepper: Red bell pepper for orange color and vitamins.
• Garlic: Garlic will definitely boost the flavor of the soup. I added 2 freshly minced cloves for maximum flavor.
• Potatoes: The potatoes also add a nice texture and flavor to the soup. Use any variety available.
• Dasheen yam: The dasheen yam also called a malanga or taro root, is a popular root food in the cuisines of the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Southern India. Just leave it out if you can’t locate it.
• Carrot: I added carrot for boosting the nutritional value and taste of this Jamaican gungo peas soup.
• Thyme: A must ingredient that gives a lovely earthy flavor to your soups. Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or 2 sprigs of fresh.
• Scotch bonnet pepper: I used whole scotch bonnet pepper for more of the authentic flavor and not the spicy heat. This distinct pepper is shaped like a bonnet and gives a unique fruit and spicy flavor to dishes. It can make a bland dish pop. Use whole for flavor without the heat and remember to remove and discard so you don’t accidentally serve it to someone who might mistake it for grape tomato. It is super hot!
• Allspice berries: The dried allspice fruit is what is known as the whole allspice. It has a comparable firmness to a pebble and is a sizeable medium-brown peppercorn. Whole allspice berries are frequently combined with other whole spices to infuse curries and soups. You can use pimento instead.
• Ginger: Adding ½ teaspoon of freshly grated ginger adds a little spicy flavor as well as taste to this soup.
• Dumplings: Dumpling made using flour, water, salt, and optional components such as cassava, cornmeal, and so on. There are different recipes for Dumplings available on my blog, you can pick your favorite one. I go with this simple recipe.
• Salt: I used sea salt. Increase or decrease the salt as per your taste.

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How To Make Jamaican Gungo Peas Soup?

For an authentic Jamaican flavor, I included yam, potato, and carrots. Yam is a root tuber, like a potato. Yellow yam has a distinct yellow flesh.

It’s traditionally added to our soups in Jamaica. You can find yellow yams or Caribbean yams in West Indian, and Latino grocery stores and even some Walmarts carry them. If you can’t find yellow yam, just leave it out.

I also added dumplings/spinners to the soup. You can find the recipes for traditional and gluten-free dumplings Here. I also made my gungo peas soup with coconut milk for a creamy island flavor.

If you haven’t tried gungo peas as yet, it has an earthy flavor similar to brown lentils. Its flavor shines through this delicious heartwarming soup. Gungo peas can be found, frozen, canned or fresh.

For the dumplings, you can make one of these gluten-free vegan recipes, Jamaican Boiled Dumplings, Green Banana Dumplings. Cassava Dumplings.

Other Delicious Soups To Try

1. Jamaican Pumpkin Soup
2. Vegan Cabbage Soup
3. Split Pea Soup Vegan
4. Cheesy Broccoli Soup
5. White Bean Soup

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a meal in itself. It is loaded with peas, veggies, and dumplings. So there’s no need to serve it with additional components. Just make something light and refreshing to drink after this having this soup like:

• Passion Fruit Juice
• Mango Leaf Tea
• Cherry Lemonade
• Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

Chef’s Notes

• This soup is good for vegans and people who can’t enjoy gluten.
• Taste the soup and season with more salt and pepper, if needed.
• While the peas are cooking, you may make the dumplings. This will save you some time.
• This soup should have a medium thickness; if it’s too thick, thin it out with some boiling water.

Other Caribbean Recipes To Try:

• Corn Soup Recipe Caribbean-Style
• Caribbean Green Seasoning
• Vegan Rasta Pasta
• Jamaican-Style Chickpea Curry Recipe
• Ital Stew

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gungo a Pea?

Of course! It belongs to the family of plants known as legumes and can typically be found in tropical or warm areas. For instance, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.

Is Pigeon Peas The Same As Gungo?

Gungo peas are legumes. They are also renowned as gunga peas and pigeon peas. Most likely, you can find them dried or canned in the Caribbean or perhaps Latin section of your nearby grocery store or online.

Where To Buy Gungo Peas?

These peas can be found in Indian supermarkets, on Amazon, or in well-stocked grocery stores in the Latin American area.

How to Store Leftover Jamaican Gungo Peas Soup?

Leftover soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. In the freezer, it can be stored for a month or longer. The coconut milk, however, might curdle when thawed and reheated.

So you can omit the coconut milk and substitute water if you’re making a big quantity to freeze. Add the coconut milk while reheating.

Give this Jamaican Gungo Peas Soup a shot. It’s incredibly delicious and super easy. Once you try it, you’ll want more!

As always, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave any feedback or share your own experience with us in the comments section below.

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For Healthier Steps Soups And Stews Cookbook check HERE.