Have I mentioned that fall is my favorite season? Not just for the weather but also the fabulous food that comes into season. This book is a great staple because when you have no idea what to do with the food at the market it provides a simple, delicious recipe anyone will love.
I have already made this soup twice. TWICE. Ok, I should clarify...cc made the first pot on the day I flew home from Squam, and I made the second pot last week. It is full of flavor and nutrients!
Quick note: I left the peas to simmer with the rosemary and took Annie for a run, forgetting to take out the sprig. If you don't take it out, it's very potent. For our palette we enjoy it, but if you're not a big fan of rosemary, set yourself a timer to take it out.
YELLOW SPLIT PEA SOUP WITH AUTUMN SQUASH AND KALE
serves 6
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 to 3 ounces pancetta, minced (I have used bacon)
1 large onion, minced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups of dried yellow split peas
1 fresh sprig of rosemary, 4'' long
4 cups of homemade or canned chicken broth, plush more for thinning
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound peeled hard shelled squash such as kabocha or butternut, in 1/3'' dice
1/2 pound plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
1/3 pound kale or green chard with ribs removed
Heat olive oil in a large pot over moderate heat. Add pancetta (or bacon) and saute until it renders some of its fat, about 3 minutes. Add onion and garlic and saute until onion is soft and sweet, about 10 minutes. Add split peas, rosemary, 4 cups of chicken broth and 4 cups of water. Bring to a simmer, cover and adjust heat to maintain a simmer. Cook until split peas are completely soft, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Taste often and remove rosemary sprig when rosemary flavor is strong enough. (It should be subtle.)
Season soup with salt and pepper. Stir in squash and tomatoes. Stack kale leaves a few at a time and slice into ribbons about 1/4 inch wide. Stir them into the soup, cover and cook until squash and kale are tender, about 20 minutes. If soup is a little thick, thin with chicken broth. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
*recipe copied directly from Fresh From the Farmers' Market
