Yellow Split Pea Soup with Crispy Garlic

In a soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, celery and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in the dry mustard and cloves and cook for 1 minute. Add the split peas and stock and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the split peas have broken down, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderately high heat until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

Season the soup with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with the crisp garlic and serve.