Reviewed: Feb. 12, 2010

A couple of tips that might help folks, based upon what I see in the reviews: This is an excellent recipe -- and you don't have to be vegan to love it! Notes on prep: Split peas, like lentils, do not need to soak overnight. In fact, they do not need to soak at all. Doing so will seriously affect the texture of the soup. Carrots won't cook till soft? Years ago I learned the trick of getting a beautiful looking pea soup -- coarsely grate the carrots. They cook in a wink, and those little flecks of orange with the green peas make for a great presentation. Happy cooking, and thank you Deborah Sah for a great recipe!

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Reviewer:

Lafftur

Reviewed: Feb. 9, 2010

Cooked in Crock pot like we had done with other split pea soups. Found this one to be a bit dry tasting. I would recommend blending about half of the soup in a blender or food processor. We did add the extra water as some others had suggested (12 cups total). In the future I would add more garlic. We like to also put some Tabasco sauce when served, a few drops seems to do the trick.

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Reviewer:

David and Krista

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Newton, Kansas, USA

Living In: Wichita, Kansas, USA

Reviewed: Feb. 9, 2010

mmmm - the house smells sooo good! Fixed this one with cilantro instead of parsley, added some mushrooms (I love mushrooms). It's yummy!!!!!

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Reviewer:

Jamie

Reviewed: Jan. 31, 2010

Delicious! I am not a meat eater, so I used veggie bacon and it turned out terrific - still had that wonderful smoky flavor. I would definitely make it again!

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Reviewer:

LAWBOOHER

Reviewed: Jan. 11, 2010

I have never had split pea soup before so I don't know what to compare it to, but this is delicious. I followed the recipe exactly and I didn't have any trouble with the amount of water/thickness. I did add another tsp of salt because I found it a little bland. I will absolutely make this again.

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Reviewer:

spicychika

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Living In: Dallas, Georgia, USA

Reviewed: Jan. 10, 2010

I had some dried split peas on hand, and I feared that I wouldn't be able to find a flavorful split pea soup recipe. This one convinced me that it's possible! It was great and full of flavor. I'm not a vegan, though, so I used homemade chicken stock instead of water.

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Reviewer:

katiedidbug

Reviewed: Dec. 22, 2009

Definitely use 12 cups of water from the beginning or else the soup will be too thick, and in danger of burning. Even with the 12 cups, you will need to stir occasionally, or the bottom may burn. I made this for a friend and didn't think I would like it, but this recipe is absolutely delicious, and I've already made it twice in 2 weeks.

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Reviewer:

platina

Cooking Level: Expert

Living In: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Reviewed: Dec. 20, 2009

I eliminated the barley, added curry,cumin, leeks, and liquid smoke. I also used half water and half vegetable broth and kept the lid on to eliminate liquid evaporation. I also soaked the peas for a few hours which expedited the cooking process and made for a soup that was "self pureeed".

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Reviewer:

Debbie

Reviewed: Dec. 10, 2009

This is the best split pea soup I've ever had! I made a few modifications, and it turned out great. I doubled the thyme and basil, and added 1 teaspoon curry, 1/2 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne. I also substituted green lentils for the barley. Finally, I pureed about half of the soup and added it back to the pot for the perfect consistency. Thanks Deborah!

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Reviewer:

poohbear

Reviewed: Dec. 10, 2009

I only had 1 cup of split peas and no barley, but made the soup anyway. Doubled the seasonings and added more potato. I have to say, it was really, really good. A+

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