Split Pea Soup

 

Recipe Name:  Split Pea Soup

Story:  There is nothing better than split pea soup warm the soul in the winter time.  As an adult I remember my Mom making this soup although she would be very conscious of the fat content. Through the years all my sisters have their own version of this soup. Being mostly a southerner I have typically used ham and maybe a ham hock, but now I prefer it with bacon. It is one of those soups you can make it as complex or simple depending on your taste, desire or time.

Years you've been making it:  Many at least 20 yrs.,

Author / Creator:  Mom/ Grandma

Submitted by:  Mom/Suzy

Ingredients:  

• 1pkg. dried split green peas
• 1 small onion
• 4-5 strips of bacon
• 1 lg carrot
• 1 small baking potato (optional)
• 2 tsp. of minced garlic.
• 2 small bay leaves
• 1-2 tsp of thyme  
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of Pepper: black or white
• 6-7 cups of unsalted chicken broth

Directions:  

1. Rinse Peas, Bring 6 cups of water to a boil add the peas and let set for 1 hr. 
2. Chop the onion and bacon into small pieces.   Sauté the mixture until the bacon is slightly crisp
3. Add the chicken broth to the pot a little at first to deglaze the pan then add the  remainder broth
4. Take the peas, drain then add to the pot.
5. Add the garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt and pepper
6. Take the carrot and grate, chop or put in a food processor. Depending on how small you like the pieces.  Add to the soup
7. Cook the soup for about 45 minutes
8. Use a potato masher to mash some of the peas to your desired consistency
9. Chop the potato into small pieces and add to the soup, cook for about 15 more minutes.

Notes:  

This is a very forgiving soup and can have many options. Sometimes I add the potato other times I do not want it as hardy. If you are feeding hungry boys it is probably a good option.

I like white pepper because it seems to give it a little kick but you can also use a small pinch of cayenne. Of course if you want to take the time you can fry a couple of extra pieces of bacon and top when serving. Serve with crackers, toast, or our favorite is with cornbread. 

Particularly if there is left-over and it has thickened you can thin with a little additional broth