Split Pea Spread Food

FAVOSALATA: YELLOW SPLIT PEA DIP

Steps:

• Heat a medium pot over medium low heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the white and light green part of the scallions [as well as the garlic if not using black garlic or roasted garlic]. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
• Add the split peas, broth or water, wine (or more broth, see note), and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Cook partially covered for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on the pot in the final 10 minutes of cooking and add broth or wine if it gets too dry.
• In a blender or food processor, add the cooked peas, 1 cup of water, black garlic (or roasted garlic if using), and turmeric. Process until smooth adding more water if needed to make a smooth and creamy spread. Add the olive oil and the lemon juice and blend to combine. Taste and add additional salt or lemon juice to taste.
• To serve, spread onto a shallow dish and pour some olive oil over top. Sprinkle on some toasted pine nuts and the green part of the scallions. Enjoy with some flat bread or crudité.

YELLOW SPLIT-PEA SPREAD WITH SPRING CRUDITES

Steps:

• Make the bouquet garni: Place the ingredients on a piece of cheesecloth. Tie into a bundle with kitchen twine.
• Make the spread: Combine split peas, water, 1 teaspoon salt, and the bouquet garni in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until split peas are tender, about 45 minutes. Discard bouquet garni. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Drain split peas, and let cool slightly in strainer, about 10 minutes.
• Puree split peas, lemon juice, remaining teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon reserved cooking liquid in a food processor until completely smooth. If the mixture is very thick, add more liquid. (Spread can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.)
• Before serving, drizzle with oil, top with onion and capers, and season with pepper. Serve with toasts and crudites.

SPLIT PEA SPREAD

Steps:

• Place all ingredients together in a pot over the stove and simmer until peas are thoroughly cooked.
• Mix all ingredients together until it has the consistency of mashed potatoes.
• Serve warm or cold.

SPLIT PEA SOUP WITH CRISPY KIELBASA

Steps:

• Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large (11 to 12-inch) pot or Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset, over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, onion, and carrots and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and starting to brown. Stir in the garlic and cook for one minute. Stir in the peas to coat with oil and cook for one minute. Add 8 cups of the chicken stock, 2 cups water, the ham hock, thyme bundle, bay leaves, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer, partially covered, for 1 1/4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are very tender and falling apart. After 45 minutes, stir more frequently, scraping the bottom of the pot to be sure the soup doesn't burn.
• Discard the thyme bundle, bay leaves, and ham hock. Transfer 2 cups of the soup to the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and purée. Return the purée to the pot, adding more chicken stock or water if the soup is too thick.
• To serve, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium (10 to 11-inch) sauté pan over medium heat. Add the kielbasa and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the kielbasa is browned. Serve the soup hot with the kielbasa and parsley sprinkled on top.
• Make ahead: Reheat the soup over low heat, adding chicken stock or water to thin.

INDIAN LENTIL AND SPLIT PEA SPREAD

Steps:

• Cook lentils and split peas in large pot of boiling salted water until very tender, about 35 minutes. Drain.
• Heat 1/3 cup oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add turmeric and cumin and stir 1 minutes. Transfer mixture to processor. Add lentils and split peas, cilantro, lemon juice, chili powder and remaining 3 tablespoons oil. Process until smooth. Season generously with salt and pepper. Transfer to medium bowl. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.) Serve with pita bread.