SPLIT-PEA SOUP WITH CHORIZO

Split-Pea Soup with Chorizo image

Yield Makes about 10 cups, serving 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 pounds cured chorizo (spicy pork sausage, available at Hispanic markets and many supermarkets), sliced thin
1 onion, chopped
1 rib of celery, chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound split peas, picked over
4 cups chicken broth
4 cups water
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
3 carrots, halved lengthwise and sliced thin crosswise
croutons as an accompaniment

Steps:

In a heavy kettle brown the chorizo over moderate heat, stirring, transfer it with slotted spoon to paper towels to drain, and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat. In the fat remaining in the kettle cook the onion, the celery, and the garlic over moderately low heat, stirring, until the celery is softened, add the split peas, the broth, the water, the thyme, and the bay leaf, and simmer the mixture, covered, stirring occasionally, for 1 1/4 hours, Stir in the carrots and simmer the soup, covered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. Discard the bay leaf, season the soup with salt and pepper, and serve it with the croutons.