Okay, let’s talk about the California Pizza Kitchen split pea soup. I’ve always loved this soup, it’s so simple but so satisfying. I wanted to try to make it at home, and after some digging, I’ve got a recipe that I think comes pretty close.
So first, I gathered all my ingredients. I needed split peas, of course, some barley, water, bay leaves, salt, soy sauce, thyme, garlic, sage, and cumin. The recipe also called for carrots and celery. I made sure I had everything on hand before I started.
Preparation
- I started by combining the split peas, barley, water, bay leaves, salt, soy sauce, thyme, garlic, sage, and cumin in a big pot.
- I brought this mixture to a boil over high heat. The kitchen started to smell really good at this point!
- Once it was boiling, I turned down the heat to a low simmer.
Then, it’s all about letting it simmer. The recipe I found mentioned to drain the barley mixture in a sieve and then add it to the split pea mixture, but I think that’s a mistake and not necessary, just keep it in the pot and continue to simmer.
Next, I added the carrots and celery into the pot. I continued to simmer the soup for another 15 to 30 minutes. You want everything to be nice and tender.
Tasting and Adjusting
After about 20 minutes, I took a little taste. It was close, but not quite there. It needed something. I added a bit more salt and a pinch more of each spice, just to boost the flavor. I let it simmer for another 10 minutes or so, just to let those flavors meld together.
Finally, I turned off the heat and ladled the soup into bowls. It looked and smelled just like the soup from California Pizza Kitchen! I took a spoonful and it was delicious. It was a little thicker than the restaurant version, but I actually prefer it that way. It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and it’s really easy to make. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
This whole cooking experiment reminded me how much I enjoy making things from scratch. It’s so satisfying to take simple ingredients and turn them into something delicious. Plus, it’s way cheaper than going out to eat! I’m definitely going to be making this soup again soon.
