Forget the corned beef and cabbage! This St. Patrick’s Day, why not celebrate with a vibrant and delicious bowl of split pea and barley soup? This recipe, inspired by my husband’s love for a hearty bowl and adapted from California Pizza Kitchen, is a far cry from your average green beer. It’s packed with flavor, fiber, and protein, making it a satisfying and healthy meal. Let me share why this soup deserves a place at your St. Patrick’s Day table.
Beyond the Green Beer: A Fresh Take on St. Patrick’s Day
While green beer might be the usual suspect for this festive occasion, there’s something truly special about a warm and comforting bowl of soup that speaks to the heart of any celebration. You might be surprised to learn that split pea soup has roots in Irish cuisine! Who knew?
A Symphony of Flavors and Textures: Delving into the Recipe
What sets this recipe apart is the addition of barley, a fiber-rich grain with a delightfully chewy texture that complements the earthy split peas. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound dried split peas, sorted and rinsed
- ½ cup semi-pearled barley (I recommend Bob’s Red Mill or Arrowhead Mills)
- 2 quarts water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon shoyu or tamari
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves (or ½ Tablespoon dried)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon rubbed dried sage
- Large pinch ground cumin
- 1 ½ cups diced carrots
- ⅔ cups minced onion
- ⅓ cup finely diced celery
- Optional: ¼ cup thinly sliced green onion tops
Step-by-Step Guide:
- In a large pot, combine peas, barley, water, bay leaves, salt, shoyu, thyme, garlic, sage, and cumin.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in carrots, onion, and celery.
- Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, another 25 to 30 minutes. Remember to check periodically and add small amounts of water if needed.
- Discard bay leaves.
- Ladle soup into warmed soup bowls and garnish with green onion tops for a final touch of flavor and color.
A Nutritional Powerhouse:
Split peas are nutritional superstars! They’re packed with protein (around 16 grams per cup!) and fiber, making this soup a satisfying and healthy meal. They’re also an excellent source of B vitamins, especially folate and thiamin, as well as manganese. This soup is truly a celebration of good health and good taste.
Tips and Serving Suggestions:
- For a truly authentic Irish experience, serve your split pea and barley soup with a side of homemade Irish soda bread. The combination is simply divine!
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
- This soup also freezes beautifully, so you can double the recipe and enjoy it later.
Embrace the Creativity of Handmade Goodness:
This St. Patrick’s Day, I encourage you to step beyond the ordinary and embrace the joy of homemade goodness. There’s something truly special about creating a meal from scratch, infusing it with your love and care. And when it comes to gifts, nothing quite compares to the thoughtfulness of a handmade present.
What are your favorite ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! And for more unique and heartfelt gift ideas, explore the collection of handcrafted treasures on Robert Kline Art. You’re sure to discover something truly special!
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