Simplest Split Pea Soup

Simplest Split Pea Soup

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Time: about 1-1/2 hours

To make pea soup, you need split peas, water (or stock, or course), and croutons. Everything else is a luxury. Some of those luxuries are detailed in the variations, but you can combine them as you like.

2 C green split peas, washed & picked over

6 C chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or water

Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

Croutons

1. Combine the peas and the stock or water in a large, deep saucepan or casserole and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn the heat to low, cover partially, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peas are very, very soft, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. 2. Mash the mixture with a fork or potato masher, or put it through a  food mill or strainer, or puree it carefully in a blender. (You may  prepare the soup in advance up to this point.  Cover, refrigerate for   up to 2 days, and reheat before proceeding.)  Reheat, adding more stock or water if necessary to achieve the consistency you like. Season to taste and serve with croutons.

Split Pea Soup w/Onion & Rice or Potato

For extra creaminess, and � cup rice or 1 medium potato, peeled and quartered, along with the split peas. Add 1 medium onion, minced, about halfway through the cooking. You will probably need to add more stock or water at the end.

Split Pea Soup w/Ham or Bacon & Carrots

Begin by cooking � C minced ham (Preferably prosciutto or other dry-cured ham) or minced bacon in 2 T olive oil until fairly crisp. Remove the meat and set aside. Cook 1 medium onion, minced, in the fat remaining in the pan until softened. Add the split peas and stock or water as above. When the mixture boils, turn the heat to low and add 3 or 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch sections. Cook as above. In step 2, when you mash or puree the split peas, hold the carrots aside, and then add them when you reheat the mixture. Garnish with ham or bacon and croutons.

Cookbook: How to Cook Everything

Typed by: Susan alexanderjamesmom@gmail.com

Contributed by:

 * Catsrecipes Y-Group