HOW TO PREPARE PEA SOUP.

Pea soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that can be made in various styles, but I’ll guide you through preparing a classic and hearty split pea soup. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (about 2 cups) dried split peas
• 1 ham hock or ham bone (optional, for flavor)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil or butter, for sautéing

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Croutons
• Sour cream or yogurt
• Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Split Peas:

• Rinse the dried split peas under cold water and pick through them to remove any debris or stones. Drain well.

1. Sauté Aromatics:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

1. Add Peas and Liquid:

• Add the rinsed split peas to the pot, along with the bay leaf and ham hock or ham bone (if using). Stir to combine.
• Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth (or water), enough to cover the ingredients by about 1 inch. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

1. Simmer:

• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially with a lid. Let the soup simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened. If using a ham hock or bone, remove it from the soup and shred any meat to add back into the soup.

1. Season:

• Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

1. Serve:

• Ladle the pea soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, croutons, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, if desired.

1. Storage:

• Allow any leftover soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Tips:

• Variations: You can add different herbs or spices to customize the flavor of your pea soup, such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika.
• Texture: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can purée part or all of the soup with an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham hock or bone and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of pea soup.

Pea soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a comforting starter. It’s nutritious, flavorful, and perfect for chilly days. Enjoy your homemade pea soup!