Recipe: Velouté of Split Peas

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried split peas
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse and drain the split peas.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrot, and garlic in butter over medium heat until tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally (about 5 to 7 minutes).
3. Add split peas, chicken stock, bay leaf, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes or until the split peas are very tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Add heavy cream and salt to the soup and stir to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, chives, etc.) or croutons if desired.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Verdict:

If you love soup, you’ll adore this velouté of split peas! It’s creamy, flavorful, and satisfying, without being too heavy or rich. The split peas add a nice earthy flavor and texture, while the cream gives it a velvety smoothness. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in with a good book or a movie, but also elegant enough to serve to guests.

Serving Suggestions:

While this soup is delicious on its own, you can also serve it with a crusty baguette or some hearty bread for a more filling meal. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also top it with some crème fraîche or crispy bacon bits. Enjoy!