Split pea soup

Dietitian's tip:

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty whole-grain bread or a fresh-vegetable medley.

Ingredients

Chive cream:

1. 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh chives, plus long cuts for garnish
2. 3 tablespoons fat-free plain yogurt
3. 1 tablespoon low-fat buttermilk
4. 1/4 teaspoon sugar
5. Pinch of salt

Soup:

6. 2 tablespoons olive oil
7. 1 yellow onion, chopped
8. 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
9. 2 cloves garlic, minced
10. 1 1/2 cups dried yellow or green split peas, picked over, rinsed and drained
11. 3 cups water
12. 3 cups low sodium vegetable stock or broth
13. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14. 1/2 cup chopped lean ham

Directions

To make the chive cream, in a small blender or food processor, combine the chopped chives, yogurt, buttermilk, sugar and salt. Process until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until soft and lightly golden, about 6 minutes. Add the carrot and saute until the carrot is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Stir in the split peas, water, stock, and the pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer until the peas are tender, 60 to 65 minutes.

In a blender or food processor, puree the soup in batches until smooth and return to the saucepan over medium heat. Reheat gently.

Ladle into warmed individual bowls. Top each serving with a drizzle or swirl of chive cream and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped ham and a few long cuts of fresh chives. Serve immediately.

This recipe is one of 150 recipes collected in "The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook," published by Mayo Clinic Health Information and Oxmoor House, and winner of a James Beard award.