Focus on food: January 21, 2010

Fresh Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:
* 1 1/2 cups green split peas
* 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 large leek, chopped
* 1 large clove of garlic, halved
* 1 herb bouquet*
* 1 or 2 well-rinsed ham hocks
* Salt and Pepper
* Optional garnish - small toasted croutons
* Herb Bouquet: Tie 3 cloves garlic, 4 allspice berries, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon thyme, 8 sprigs parsley in washed cheesecloth.

Directions:
1. Pick over the peas and remove any stones. Wash and drain peas. Place in a 4 quart pan with the vegetables, herb bouquet, ham hocks and 2 1/2 quarts of water. Bring to a simmer. Skim the scum off the top of the soup for several minutes, until the scum ceases to rise. Cover loosely and simmer about 1 ½ hours, or until peas are tender, stirring occasionally in case they stick to the bottom of the pan.

2. Remove bones, and herb bouquet from soup, discard. Either purée through a vegetable mill, or purée in a food processor and then pass through a sieve. Correct seasoning.

3. Reheat, taste again for seasoning. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with croutons and or sautéed ham. Makes 2 quarts.

Serves 6.