Recipe: Split Pea Soup With Leeks, Carrots and Tarragon

SPLIT PEA SOUP WITH LEEKS, CARROTS AND TARRAGON

Serves 6.

Note: From "A Year in a Vegetarian Kitchen" by Jack Bishop (Houghton Mifflin, $35).

• 2 c. dried green split peas, rinsed and picked over to remove any stones

• 9 c. cold water

• 2 small celery stalks with leaves, plus more for garnish

• 1/4 c. freshly minced flat parsley, plus more for garnish

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil

• 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

• 3 medium leeks, white and green parts, thinly sliced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Combine split peas, water, celery, parsley, tarragon and bay leaf in a large pot or soup kettle over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer briskly, stirring occasionally, until split peas have become quite soft and start to dissolve into the liquid, about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add carrots and leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and just beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.

Add carrots and leeks to soup, along with generous amounts of salt and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer briskly until soup thickens, about 30 minutes.