Curried Green Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:

• 500g Green Split Peas
• 2 tsp Curry powder
• 60g butter or margarine
• 1 cup chopped mint leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh curry leaves (optional)
• 4 chicken stock cubes (or 1L of chicken stock)
• 1/2 cup cream (optional)
• croutons (optional)

Method:

Prepare green split peas

Quick method: Put required peas into a saucepan and cover with water approx. 3 cups of water for every cup of peas. Bring to the boil and simmer for approx. 35 min. until tender.

Traditional method: Soak peas for approx 6-8 hours before cooking. Drain, place in fresh water, bring to the boil and simmer until tender, usually 20-30 min. Any amount of soaking will reduce cooking times.

Prepare the soup

Drain split peak mixture and place in a blender or through sieve until smooth. Melt butter in a large saucepan and stir in curry poder and mint. Cook gently for 2 min. and add crumbled stock cubes or stock. Pour peas into saucepan, adding water until desired consistancy is obtained. Season with pepper and salt if desired. Serve with cream and croutons.

Serves 4.

Prep time: 5-10 min. Cooking time: 15 min.