Split Pea Soup

Soupe Aux Pois has received negative press for two reasons.  Firstly, it's colour and texture are visually unappealing.  It is difficult to entice one into making a recipe based on it's unphotogenic history in pictures, the reason I opted not to produce one myself.

Secondly, both gritty and lumpy, the canned variety of this famous French Canadian soup has a tasteless odor.

Traditional Quebec soupe aux pois most commonly features yellow peas and and some type of pork (mainly ham bone or salt pork).  If prepared properly, soupe aux pois should be thick, smooth and flavourful. 

So how do I convince one to give pea soup a chance?  Option one would be through acoustic expression in room 1742 at the Queen E dressed in nothing more than flannel whites and a hotel duvet.  More effectively I have chosen to throw tradition aside to reach the masses, as my guitar playing is atrocious, and be more Northern European with this version from Bon Appétit.

Split Pea Soup with Sausage and Potato

5 fully cooked spicy smoked sausage links (such as andouille or hot links), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 12-ounce russet potato, peeled, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 1/4 cups green split peas, rinsed
4 cups low-salt chicken broth

Sauté sausages in heavy large pot over medium-high heat until fat begins to render, about 4 minutes. Add potato, onion, and rosemary. Sauté until onion is soften, about 5 minutes. Mix in split peas, then broth. Bring soup to simmer. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, stirring occasionally, about 50 minutes. If desired, thin soup with water by 1/4 cupfuls. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve. For a less spicy sausage, choose Kielbasa or garlic sausages. 

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Comments

[Rex]

I had a girl friend in college from Paris, France. She made split pea soup with wine in it. I never ask what the wine was! Does anyone know what it could have been. It tasted great!

[honda-radio]

Thx! :)

[joey randall]

I am a soup fanatic and split pea soup is my 'all- time' favorite, especially on chilly days agreeing with Lisa's comment above, "...instantly transported back to my childhood."

[LisaSD]

Lou--I have never tasted this, but it does taste good. I'm not put off by color in foods...mostly by texture, but I'd try this for sure!

[Ruth]

I love split pea soup, but you're right - it's not the prettiest dish in the world. Still it is one of the tastiest and when I eat any, I'm instantly transported back to my childhood.

Thanks for sharing.

[Magictofu]

I just posted a picture of my own version of split pea soup on my blog. Hope you'll like it.

http://slurpandburp.blogspot.com/2006/01/split-pea-soup-for-sarah-lou.html#links

[Alanna]

Sounds luscious to me! Creative photo too!

[Kalyn]

I love split peas soup. And on my diet, split peas are considered a "good" carb. Your recipe sounds great!