*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                         Puree of Split Pea Soup

Recipe By     : 
Serving Size  : 4    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Soups                            Vegetables

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     3/4  pound         Split peas
   6      cups          -water -- or chicken stock
   2      tablespoons   Carrot -- chopped
   2      tablespoons   Onion -- chopped
   2      tablespoons   Celery -- chopped
   2      tablespoons   Ham -- chopped
   1                    Bay leaf
   2                    Sprigs parsley
     1/2  teaspoon      Thyme
     1/4  teaspoon      Peppercorns

The following recipe will make a smooth, creamy soup although it contains no cream.
 If you wish to make it richer, you can stir in a few tablespoons of butter or 1/2 cup cream before serving.

 RINSE THE SPLIT PEAS, soak in cold water for 2 hours and drain. Simmer in the 6 cups 
water or stock until barely tender. Lightly saute the carrot, onion, celery and ham in butter
 and add to the peas. Tie the bay leaf, parsley, thyme and peppercorns in a cheesecloth
 bag and add. Season to taste with salt and pepper and simmer for about 20 minutes, 
until the vegetables are cooked through. Puree in a food processor or blender.
 Enrich with butter or cream if desired and serve with croutons.

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