Split pea soup with sorrel

8 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsSweet butter
2mediumsOnions; roughly diced
1mediumCarrot; roughly diced
2Celery stalks; roughly diced
1teaspoonFinely minced garlic
cupDry split peas
6cupsChicken stock or water OR low-sodium chicken broth
1smallHam hock; -=OR=- Cooked ham or bacon
1Lemon, cut in half
3bunchesFresh sorrel
1cupWhipping cream
Salt and pepper; to taste

Directions

IN A STOCK POT, over low heat, melt the butter and add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Let the vegetables cook, stirring, until limp, about 15 minutes, being careful not to brown. Add the split peas, stock, ham hock and lemon and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the peas are completely soft. Remove the ham hock and the lemon. Add the sorrel and cream.

Transfer to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.

Strain through a fine sieve. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust as desired. Serve this soup piping hot or well chilled.

NOTE: If the soup is chilled, thin it with an additional cup of stock, low-sodium broth or water.

MICHAEL ROBERTS - PRODIGY GUEST CHEFS COOKBOOK