Ninja Turtle Soup

Ninja Turtles have become a thing around our house. Corey has introduced them to Nathan and all are in love.
In an effort to be very frugal, I bought a bag of split peas. I was on a mission to make Split Pea soup. It will be a first for all of us. The last time both Corey and I had it was when we were 4/5 years old and wouldn't eat it because it was green. So, today I am calling it Ninja Turtle Soup in hopes that Nathan will not immediately turn his nose up. Sometimes it's all about the presentation to get kids to try something new!

Split Pea Soup
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/easy-peasy-split-pea-soup-recipe/index.html

Ingredients
1/2 pound slab bacon
1 medium onion, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 pound green split peas, washed and picked clean
6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 tomato, diced, for garnish
1 lime, cut into wedges, for garnish
Special equipment: Blender or immersion blender
Directions
Slice the bacon into 1/2-inch chunks. Add to a large soup pot and cook over medium-high heat to render the fat and get crispy on all sides, about 8 minutes total. The more brown the better; just don't burn them. They are perfect when they are more chewy than juicy.

Remove bacon chunks and set aside on a paper towel lined plate. Pour off all but 2 to 3 tablespoons of fat from the stock pot. Add the onion, carrot and celery with a pinch of salt and pepper and saute until onions are just translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cumin and let cook another minute before adding the split peas and stock. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the peas are al dente (cooked through, but slightly firm and whole), about 20 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes.

Ladle out about 3 cups of the peas and carefully blitz the remaining soup using an immersion blender or countertop blender until creamy. If using a countertop blender be sure to only fill it about 1/3 the way up and start on a slow speed, then raise to a higher speed. This method will take a bit longer due to the need to blitz in batches. Pour the soup back into the pot. Return the 3 cups of peas to the soup and stir to combine and heat through. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top with bacon, tomato and a squeeze of lime.



THE RESULT:
Nathan: Thanks for making the best soup ever, Mom.

It was a hit. He kept telling everyone about the Ninja Turtle soup and that it was topped with bacon. I was really proud of him for trying it.