Split Pea Soup with Caramelized Onions

SPLIT-PEA SOUP WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND CUMINSEED

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Ingredients:

1 cup dried split peas
1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled
1 bay leaf
2 cups water
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon cuminseed
3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

In a large heavy saucepan simmer peas, basil, and bay leaf in water and
broth, covered partially, until peas are tender, about 35 minutes, and
discard bay leaf.

While peas are cooking, in a heavy skillet sauté onion and cuminseed in
oil over moderately high heat, stirring, until golden brown.

In a blender puree soup in batches until just smooth and transfer to a
bowl. Stir in onion mixture and salt and pepper to taste.

Makes about 4 cups.