What food is suggested by the following clues?

HOPE AGAINST HOPE
ROPE-A-DOPE
SLEEP EASY
LOP-EARED
LANDSCAPE ARTIST

HINT:
It's usually eaten before the main course.

Answer:

Split pea soup  

Each clue contains the word PEA - "split" in various ways (hoPE Against hope, etc.)

Credit: NY Times Crossword
December 20, 2011
Julian Lim