Simplest Split Pea Soup

Simplest Split Pea Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that requires minimal ingredients. The star ingredient, split peas, along with water or stock, forms the base of this soup. While the recipe is simple, you can add various luxuries to enhance the flavor, as detailed in the “10 Ideas for Bean Soup” section. Be mindful of the thickness of the soup and adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: About 11/2 hours

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups green split peas, washed and picked over
• 6 cups chicken, beef, or vegetable stock (or water)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Real or Cubed Croutons for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTONS:

1. In a large, deep pot, combine the split peas and stock (or water) over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are very soft, which typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
2. Mash the mixture with a fork or potato masher to achieve a chunky texture. For an ultra-smooth consistency, use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée the soup.
3. Reheat the soup over low heat, adding more stock or water if it becomes too thick. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
4. Serve the Simplest Split Pea Soup hot, garnished with Real or Cubed Croutons if desired.

TIPS FOR SIMPLEST SPLIT PEA SOUP:

• Watch the thickness: Split peas tend to break down quickly and can make the soup thick. Keep an eye on the consistency and stir in more water or stock as needed to achieve the desired thickness.
• Customize the flavors: While the recipe calls for minimal ingredients, you can enhance the soup by adding various luxuries as mentioned in the “10 Ideas for Bean Soup” section. Consider adding ingredients such as chopped vegetables, herbs, spices, or even meats to create different flavor profiles.

VARIATION:

Red Lentil Soup with Curried Drizzle:

• Substitute red lentils or yellow split peas for the green split peas to create a different flavor and color profile.
• Replace up to 2 cups of the liquid with coconut milk for a creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
• While the soup is cooking, prepare a curried drizzle. Heat 4 tablespoons of butter or neutral oil (like grapeseed or corn) over low heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of Fragrant Curry Powder and a pinch of salt, stirring until the mixture darkens and becomes fragrant.
• Keep the curried drizzle warm and serve the soup with a spoonful of the flavored butter or oil drizzled on top of each bowl. The combination of the soup and curried drizzle will add layers of flavor to the dish.

By following these tips and variations, you can enjoy a hearty bowl of Simplest Split Pea Soup or experiment with the Red Lentil Soup with Curried Drizzle for a different twist. Customize the flavors and create a comforting soup that suits your taste preferences.