Step 1

Place the split peas in a bowl and pour tap water. Wait 2-3 minutes and use a colander to rinse them with plenty of water. Repeat until the water is crystal clear (2-3 more times). Drain and transfer to a pot.

Step 2

In a pot over high heat, add 4 cups out of 6 (800ml out of 1.200ml) of water or vegetable broth, shredded carrot, sliced onion, oil olive, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium and simmer. Remove with a spoon the white foam that usually surfaces. It takes more or less half an hour for the initial amount of liquid to be absorbed. Add salt, pepper and cumin.

Step 3

Add gradually more HOT water or broth, turn down the heat to low and stir frequently until split peas are very tender and the texture is similar to a thick soup. At that point, stir quite often. It takes more or less 50 minutes but cooking time depends on the product.

Step 4

Remove from heat and add lemon. Put the mixture in a food processor or a hand blender and mix until the peas are smooth and creamy, like a puree. Add more hot water if it is too thick.

Step 5

Serve with extra virgin olive oil, diced onion, thyme, freshly ground pepper.