Thursday, January 22, 2009

London Particular

Once again, apologies for not posting in eons, I will get my act together one of these days. :-)
Last week I was interviewed by Pam at http://pamokc.blogspot.com/ So, on the off chance that any of you might want to know more about the reluctant cook, you will find the interview on my other blog here: http://grandlakeink.blogspot.com/

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of posts about all the high-tech kitchen gadgetry other food bloggers have received at Christmas, and thought I would share my latest gadget...


...no batteries or electricity required, this baby is powered solely by elbow grease.

Anyway, without further ado, on with the recipe. You’ve probably gathered by now that we had ham at New Year – don’t worry it’s not still hanging around. I made this a couple of weeks ago, but am only now getting round to posting it, damned shirker that I am. In Victorian London, this soup was known as London Particular as its name derives from the thick fogs, known as pea-soupers, that were around at the time..

Pea and Ham Soup




Ingredients:

1 ham bone with a decent amount of meat still on it
1 large onion chopped, divided
4 cups of chicken broth/stock
3 cups water
Cracked black pepper, to taste
2 bay leaves
1 lb. dried split peas, rinsed and drained
3 carrots, sliced
A handful of chopped parsley

Directions:
  • Place first four ingredients in a large saucepan or soup kettle (use half of the onion), and bring to boil. Add bay leaves and season with pepper, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 1 hour.
  • Remove ham bone from pot, allow to cool, and shred meat from it. Retain all stock in pan.
  • Re-heat stock to boiling, add split peas and remaining onion to the pan. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
  • Add carrots, parsley, and return ham meat to pan. Adjust seasoning if required, and simmer, covered, for a further 30 minutes.

Serve immediately with warm crusty bread.






14 comments:

Jennifer said...

Ohh god that looks amazing. I must make this! I do miss you :)

test it comm said...

This is one of my favorite soups and it is definitely the soup time of year!

Beth (jamandcream) said...

Pestle ans Mortar!! Love it. Love the soup to!

Pam said...

I just recently bought a pestle and mortar and love it. Your soup looks awesome - it's one of my favorites. Great picture!

Sara said...

I just got a mortar and pestle too. I've only used it once, I think it's going to take some getting used to - I went to pound my spices and they jumped out of the bowl all over the kitchen!

Marjie said...

I bought myself a green marble rolling pin a few years back, and passed on the matching mortar and pestle, and have been sorry since. Love the name, "London Particular", for your pea soup. My mother used to make this all the time!

David Hall said...

Now you are talking! Pestle and mortar is my fave kitchen gadget. Doing the caveman and whacking the hell out of some ingredients, can;t be beaten! Top soup by the way.

Cheers
David

The Blonde Duck said...

LOL! Yes sir, that's one fancy gadget.

Maria said...

I love the pestle and mortar!! Lucky you!

Lakeland Jo said...

that soups looks wonderful. One of my favourites.
Sadly my diet does not allow....

Paula said...

Hey Jan, I'm up late and passing the time catching up on blogs. I just came to get caught up on yours, and I could have sworn I typed up one of my novel length responses to your London Particular post ... I even read the interview on the other site. Oh well, it's in cyber space somewhere. My eyes are starting to droop, but I wanted to at least say YUM to your soup. I love all soup, and pea is one of my favorites. Don't have a mortar and pestle ... would love one though! :-)

Unknown said...

My favorite. I make it all the time along with lentils and navy bean. A real comfort. I had some last night.

Unknown said...

I also use a mortar and pestle. One big one small. You can't beat them for bringing out flavor and oils.

Maria Verivaki said...

what a great looking soup - and what a name!