Monday, January 5, 2009

What's In Season - January + Recipe

_
-
_
Northern California
_
While many fruits and vegetables are available year-round, we enjoy some only briefly and eagerly anticipate their return to market from year to year. To find out what items you can get during which seasons search out your local area.
_
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!! I feel re-energized and ready to take on 2009!! Happy New Year!!
_

_
Vegetables
_
•asian greens
•avocados
•beans
•beets
•bok choy
•broccoli
•brussels sprouts
•cabbage
•cardoons
•carrots
•cauliflower
•chard
•collards
•cress
•dandelion/chicory
•endive
•fennel
•garlic
•gourds
•herbs
•horseradish
•kale
•leeks
•lettuces
•mushrooms
•olives
•onions
•parsnips
•potatoes
•radish
•rapini
•rutabaga
•scallions
•spinach
•squash, winter
•sunchokes
•turnips
_

_
Fruit and Nuts
_
•almonds
•apples
•asian pears
•avocados
•cherimoyas
•dates
•dried fruit
•grapefruit
•guavas
•kiwi
•kumquats
•lemons
•limes
•mandarins
•oranges
•pears
•persimmons
•pomelos
•tangerines
•walnuts
_
Recipe
_
Yellow or Green Split-Pea Soup with Red Onion and Lemon
from Joyce Goldstein, from the book Cooking with Les Dames D’Escoffier
Serves 12
_
INGREDIENTS:
_
2 teaspoons ground cumin
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 cups coarsely diced onion
One 16 ounce bag (2 ¼ cups yellow split peas or green split peas, I sometimes substitute organic frozen peas)
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 to 2 lemons, zested for 1 teaspoon grated zest and squeezed for 2 tablespoons juice
¾ teaspoon salt plus additional as needed
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper plus additional as needed
3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
_
PREPARATION:
_
Start by toasting the cumin to give it a richer, rounder flavor. Place a small skillet over moderate heat and when hot, add the cumin. Stir about a minute or until the spice gives off a roasty aroma. Immediately remove from heat and reserve.
_
Warm 3 tablespoons of the oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the cumin and stir for a few minutes.
_
Add the split peas and broth and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the peas are falling apart, about an hour (less time if frozen). Puree the pea mixture in a blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender. Thin it with water or broth if too thick.
_
Season with the lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper.
_
To serve, ladle into bowls. Top with the red onion, pepper, and oil.
_

10 comments:

Content in a Cottage said...

Welcome back Sabina! I have missed your lovely posts.

This soup looks and sounds wonderful. Thanks for the recipe. Love all the photos you have chosen too.

I am sending my best wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy new year. I think 2009 is going to be a great year on the blogosphere!

♥Rosemary

Sabina said...

Thanks so much Rosemary!! Happy New Year to you too!!

Krissy | Paper Schmaper said...

Happy New Year!!

My hubby loves split pea soup, but I've never made it. I just might with this recipe! Thanks :)

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Sabina --

I just found your site and I love it. I hope you don't mind if I keep you on my list?

Thanks for the recipe and happy new year!

Jen

FeeBeeKay said...

Hi there, I have just found your postings through another site and had to comment. It is such a gorgeous site - a real breath of un-fussy, classic, gracious fresh air. I have really enjoyed being nosey and reading your posts!

Happy New Year from Northern Ireland

FeeBeeKay

Sabina said...

Hi Krissy, Happy New Year to you too!! I'll be over to your site very soon.

Thanks for stopping by jenjen - love your picture of Trixie. :)

Hello FeeBeeKay, So good to have yet another blogging friend from Ireland!! Thanks for your comment - so very sweet!!

Happy New Year!!!

Margie’s daughter Leiny said...

Hi Sabina, welcome back. I am very happy to read that you had a good break and are energised. That soup sounds great. I never had it before but I will make it tomorrow as part of my recovery (I have had flu for a few days). Thanks for the recipe. hugs Margie.

Sabina said...

Hi Margie - so good to hear from you. I hope you are feeling better very soon!! Happy New Year!!

Unknown said...

Happy New Year Sabina and glad you are back, have missed all your wonderful post as usual :D

Linda Lou said...

Hi Sabina, I hope you had lovely holidays and are ready for an exciting new year!! This recipe sounds great, I was at the Farmers Market this past Sunday looking for inspiration for winter meals!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...