Split Pea Soup With Caramelized Onions and Cumin Seed

This soup can be made with either yellow or green split peas. Ham can be added in the final step, if desired.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Yields: 4 cups soup

Ingredients

• 1  cup  dried split peas
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1  bay leaf
• 2  cups water
• 2  cups chicken broth
• 3  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  cups  chopped onions
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin seed
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. In a saucepan simmer peas, basil and bay leaf in the water and broth, partially covered, until peas are tender, about 35 minutes; discard bay leaf.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil and saute onion and cuminseed over moderately low heat until onions are golden brown, 35-45 minutes.
3. In a blender, puree soup in batches until smooth; return to pan and stir in onions and salt and pepper to taste.