Yellow Split Pea Soup with Chile Spiked Onion and Crème Fraiche

- 1 cup yellow split peas, sorted for stones and husks, and rinsed (250 mL)
- 5 cups water (1.25L)
- 4 medium cloves garlic, coarsely chopped (4)
- 2 slices fresh ginger 1 x 2-inch (2.5 x 5-cm), coarsely chopped (2)
- 2 Tbsp canola oil (30 mL)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds (5 mL)
- 1 medium red onion, cut in half lengthwise, and thinly sliced (1)
- 3 fresh green Thai, cayenne or serrano chiles, stem removed, coarsely chopped (do not remove seeds)
- 1 1/2 tsp coarse kosher or sea salt (7 mL)
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric (2 mL)
- 1 medium tomato, cored, and coarsely chopped (1)
- 1/4 cup crème fraîche, whisked (60 mL)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems (60 mL)
1. In a large saucepan, over medium-high heat, bring peas and 4 1/2 cups (1.125L) water to a boil skim and discard any foam that surfaces. Add garlic and ginger; lower heat and simmer covered, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in medium skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Add cumin and allow them to sizzle, turn reddish brown and smell fragrant, 10 to 15 seconds. Add onion and chiles and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is richly browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in salt, turmeric, tomato, and remaining 1/2 cup (125 mL) water. Scrape the skillet to release any browned bits of onion. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tomato softens, 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape sauce into saucepan with cooked peas.
4. Continue to simmer peas, covered, stirring occasionally, to allow flavours to blend, about 5 minutes. Let soup cool, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to blender and puree until smooth. (If using immersion blender, no need to cool peas before pureeing). Return pureed soup to saucepan and re-warm before serving.
5. Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche and cilantro.Tips: Try plain yogurt instead of crème fraîche if the fat in the crème is of concern to you. If you are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet, eliminate it from the recipe. Soy alternatives just don’t have the same desirable depth as their dairy counterparts, particularly in this recipe.