Wednesday, March 20, 2013

SPLIT PEA SOUP






Yes! Split pea soup can be Delicious! It's not the kind you have had that taste like paste. Even my kids love it. I always try to freeze some for my mom too. Its wholesome, healthy and filling. Delicious
You will need some simple ingredients and it is so easy you can make it in one hour.
2 sliced garlic cloves
1/4 diced onion
3 sliced carrots
1 diced potato (use two if omitting the sweet potato)
1 diced sweet potato (optional)
1 lb bag of green split peas
8 cups water
2 tbsp olive oil (or your favorite oil)
3 vegetable bullion cubes
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp imitation bakon bits
1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
salt to taste (at end of cooking)
1 cup dried instant potato flakes
1/2 cup of half/half cream (optional)


Saute' the garlic, onion, carrots,potatoes in the oil for two minutes on med heat. Do not burn the garlic. Add the water and split peas, bullion cubes and spices except salt. Simmer covered for about 50 min. or until peas and potatoes are tender. Remove 3 cups into a blender and blend with the cream. Add it back into the pot. I like to blend about half the soup so it is creamy but yet have some chunks of carrot, potato & peas. Lastly, add potato flakes to thicken. Salt to taste.
Serve with a grind of fresh Parmesan & pepper. 

You can use this same recipe with brown, yellow or red lentils. I would remove the bakon bits and add a can of diced tomatoes if you decide to make lentil soup. But follow the same recipe.