The most well-known pea soups are made with green split peas and flavored with pork, but this lively vegetarian version features split peas and Indian seasonings. Though the end result tastes remarkably different from the classic, the method for making any split pea soup is virtually the same; you start by building a flavor base with sautéed aromatics, then add peas and water and cook until the peas fall apart. For split pea soup with ham, you would add a ham hock to the pot along with the peas, but for this version, spices are fried at the end and stirred into the soup to finish—a technique borrowed from many classic Indian dishes.
Ingredients
serves 6
For aromatics
For soup
For finishing
Step 1
Cook aromatics Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, scallions, chile, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent and ginger is fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add turmeric
Step 2
Make soup Add peas and 8 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, and cook, partially covered, until peas are falling apart and very tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes. (Check after 30 minutes and add more water if necessary. Remove chile, if desired, and discard.)
Step 3
Finish and serve Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cumin and mustard seeds; cook until mustard seeds start to pop and cumin is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add spices to the soup, stir to combine, and cover pot. Let stand for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in lime juice and cilantro; season to taste with salt. Serve immediately, with lime wedges, if desired. The soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days. Thin with water before serving, if necessary.
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