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Split Pea Soup

This is Megan’s version of split pea soup, my version skips the croutons and includes ham. But, because we occasionally have to make something she will eat, I just add the ham to my bowl. If you don’t have a vegetarian in your house, putting ham or a ham bone in the soup while it is cooking adds a great flavor.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 8 to 10

Ingredients

Soup

1 pound dried split peas
2 carrots
1 onion
2 bay leaves
12 cups water
Salt and pepper

Croutons

5 slices bread
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    To prepare the soup: Pour the peas into a stockpot and carefully check them for any foreign objects. (I know it sounds weird, but occasionally small stones will slip through during processing.)

    Step 2

    Peel the carrots and onion and dice them into about 1/2-inch pieces. Place the carrots, onion, bay leaves, and water into the stockpot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Decrease the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the peas have broken down. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  2. Meanwhile, prepare the croutons

    Step 3

    Preheat the oven to 350°F.

    Step 4

    Cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Combine the butter and garlic powder in a small bowl and pour over the bread cubes. Toss the bread cubes until they are evenly coated and bake them for 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

    Step 5

    Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the croutons.

  3. Kitchen Math

    Step 6

    It’s time to pull out that math you learned in third grade:

    Step 7

    2 cups = 1 pint

    Step 8

    2 pints = 1 quart

    Step 9

    4 quarts = 1 gallon

    Step 10

    If you remember this, then you won’t panic when a recipe calls for 2 quarts of water and you only have a 1-cup measure. You will know:

    Step 11

    2 quarts = 4 pints = 8 cups

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