SPLIT-PEA SOUP WITH SPINACH AND BARLEY

Split-Pea Soup with Spinach and Barley image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 1h55m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
3 leeks, white and light-green parts only, chopped and well washed
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water, or a combination
1 pound dried split peas, picked over
5 ounces baby spinach
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup full-fat plain yogurt (not Greek), whisked, for serving
2 cups cooked barley, for serving

Steps:

Heat oil in a large pot over medium. Add leeks, carrots, and celery; cook, stirring, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Add broth and peas; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until peas are creamy, 50 to 55 minutes. Stir in spinach; cook until just wilted, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Working in batches, puree soup in a blender until smooth. Return to pot; season with salt and pepper. (If too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time.) Ladle soup into bowls, drizzle with yogurt and oil, top with barley, and serve.