Lemon split pea soup

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1cupSour Cream
3tablespoonsFresh Cilantro Or Dill -- finely minced
1tablespoonLemon Zest -- finely minced
2tablespoonsUnsalted Butter
1tablespoonOlive Oil
2largesOnions -- peel & finely dice
2teaspoonsJalapeno Peppers -- finely minced
1largeCarrot -- peel & finely diced
1cupSnow Peas, Cut Very Fine
2largesCelery Stalks -- trimmed/finely diced
1Parsley Root, Peeled & Finely Diced -- optional
2teaspoonsGround Cumin
cupSplit Peas -- well rinsed
8cups(To 10) Chicken Stock Or Bouillon
Salt
White Pepper -- freshly ground
¼cupHeavy Cream Julienned & Steamed

Directions

OPTIONAL GARNISH

1. Combine the sour cream, cilantro or dill, and lemon zest in a small bowl and set aside.

2. Melt the butter together with the oil in a 4-qt casserole over med-low heat. Add the onions, jalapeno pepper, carrot, celery, and optional parsley root and cook until soft, about 4 to 5 mins.

3. Add the cumin and cook for 1 min. Add the split peas and 8 cups of the stock or bouillon, season with salt and white pepper, and simmer, covered, for 45 mins, or until the peas are very soft.

4. Puree the soup in a food processor and return to the casserole. If the soup seems too thick, add additional stock or bouillon. Add the cream and just heat through. Correct the seasoning and serve in individual shallow bowls, garnished with a dollop of the sour cream mixture and the optional julienne of snow peas.

NOTE: For the adventurous, try substituting dill or tarragon for the cilantro. Also, try substituting some of the different lentils that are available for the split peas.

Recipe By : Spur of the Moment Cook - ISBN 0-688-11009-6 From: Dan Klepach Date: 09-21-95 (22:23) (159) Fido: Cooking