Yum
There is nothing like a good hearty bowl of soup when the weather is a bit cool outside, cool and rainy, which is how it is here right now. I’ve been restricting my carbs which includes starchy vegetables like peas, carrots, potatoes etc… just because I’m trying to drop a couple of pounds.
But when the weather is yucky and the craving is taking over… time to cave in… sometimes you just have to indulge and enjoy… guilt free!
My indulgence this time was a nice bowl of split pea soup, with loads of garlic and marjoram… these flavours remind me of home…. enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 bag dried split peas (454 grams)
- 1 Litre Chicken Stock (I use low sodium)
- 1 – 2 Carrots
- 1 Whole Onion peeled
- 1 Bay Leaf
- Chunk of Ham and/or Chorizo
- 1-2 Teaspoons Marjoram
- 4 – 5 Garlic Cloves Minced (or more depending on taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a medium sized pot add chicken stock, dried peas, carrots, whole onion, bay leaf, and meat. Bring to a boil and simmer until the peas are soft and cooked. Take out the ham and set aside, take out the bay leaf and onion and throw them away. Use an immersion blender to cream the soup (with the carrots). Cut the meat into small chunks and place back into the pot. Season with marjoram, salt and pepper and add minced garlic (the garlic loses it’s kick the more it’s cooked so if you don’t want a strong garlic flavour add it earlier and cook for a while, however if you like a strong garlic kick like I do then add the garlic last). If the soup is too thick add a bit of water and if it’s too runny cook some of the water off.
I like to eat my soup with home made croutons and I’ve found the easiest way to make them. Chop bread into bite-sized cubes and season with salt, pepper, marjoram and garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic). Sprinkle with olive oil and either spread on a baking sheet and bake until toasted OR you can place them in a microwavable container and microwave on high for 1 minutes, shake them about and place back in microwave for another minute, continue until they are crispy. Be careful in the microwave though as they can go from crunchy and crisp to burned very quickly! Serve croutons with your soup.