Czech pea soup (Hrachová polévka)

This traditional Czech soup is prepared with fresh peas, green split peas, or yellow split peas. It often incorporates flavorful broths, various root vegetables, smoked meat, and spices such as cumin or marjoram. Although it can vary in color and consistency, it is usually complemented with a dollop of cream or crispy croutons, and then enjoyed as a nutritious appetizer.