Tuesday, March 25, 2008

WILL THIS SNOW EVER END? ... FRENCH PEA SOUP

" The snow doesn't give a soft white damn whom it touches. "

~ e.e. cummings

~ Lily in the snow

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FRENCH SPLIT PEA SOUP

~ Perfect finale for the Easter ham bone and another 'bone-chilling' night

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1 juicy ham bone

(or 8-12 slices chopped sauteed bacon, browned and crisp)

1 large chopped Vadalia or Spanish onion

1 bunch chopped leek (white and pale green parts)

2-4 large peeled and chopped carrots

4 minced garlic cloves

4 (32-ounce) cans or boxes organic chicken broth

2 cups dry white wine

2 pounds rinsed green split peas

4 whole bay leaves

2-4 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary leaves (1-2 Tbsp. dried)

1 Tbsp. Herbes de Provence

freshly ground cracked pepper to taste

coarse salt to taste

  • In large stockpot, saute onion and leeks in reserved 2 tablespoons bacon grease (or add 2 tablespoons olive oil if using ham bone) until limp.
  • Add garlic and chopped carrots, cooking additional few minutes. Carefully add stock, scraping brown bits from bottom of pot.
  • Add ham bone, peas, white wine, bay leaves, rosemary, pepper and salt. Bring to boil and reduce heat, simmering until peas are tender, stirring occasionally about 1 hour. Taste and adjust seasonings. (12 servings for light eaters)
  • Note: For a unique flavor, add a dollop of fresh horseradish, plenty of cracked pepper and top with seasoned croutons.


4 comments:

Jane O' said...

I made a big batch of pea soup last night and we had leftovers for lunch. I make a darned good pea s, if I do say so myself, but your looks very tempting, a little more exotic. I'm going to copy the recipe and try it next time.

Marie said...

What a beautiful photo!

joey said...

I'm sure yours is delicious, Jane Marie. Each batch of mine is unique and never quite the same. It's hard to go wrong with pea soup on these 'bone chilling' Michigan spring days!

I hate to think we're sending this 'crappy' spring your way, Nancy! Hold tight ...

Thanks Marie ... our Michigan looked much like your Norway this winter!

Unknown said...

Heh. I love e.e. cummings, and that's a great quote. :)

The recipe looks delicious, too. My busy time at work is almost finished, so I should be back to cooking soon!