Tuesday, February 18, 2014

A Midwinter's Recharge: Split Pea Soup

Let's face it, this winter has absolutely sucked.  Everyone's had enough, and spring can't come soon enough. Until then, here's a comforting hug by way of the kitchen.

This is the soup I make most often.  I usually use the simmering liquid from either a cottage roll or smoked picnic shoulder as the base, but I've also made it using store-bought chicken stock.

This makes a substantial amount, but it freezes very well.

4 litres ham stock or chicken stock
1 stalk celery, diced, plus some leaves, chopped, if you have them
1 carrot, peeled & diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 bay leaf
2 lb green or yellow dried split peas
Diced ham (optional)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

Bring the stock to a boil.  Add remaining ingredients, excluding salt.  Reduce heat to medium-low, partially covered.  Cook, stirring regularly, for two hours, or until the large majority of the peas have disintegrated. Taste and adjust seasonings; remove bay leaf.  Thin mixture if necessary using additional stock or water.

Makes 8-10 servings.



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