Green Split Pea Soup

Cold days of February and the imminent arrival of house guests prompted me to consider cooking ahead so that there would be easy lunch or ways to extend dinners. What better than pea soup? Using staple kitchen veggies and organic green split peas from the bulk section of my food coop, this soup is a 15 minute prep, about an hour and quarter or less to cook, a quick puree.  It stores in the fridge for several days, and freezes well too. Makes about 5 pints.

Green Split Pea Soup
1.5 cups green dry split peas
7 cups water
1 onion chopped (medium-large)
3 carrots (chopped)
1 parsnip (chopped)
1 stalk celery (chopped)
5 sprigs chopped fresh parsley  (3 Tbsp)
1 medium potato (chopped)
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp basil
1 tsp garlic (fresh or use garlic powder)
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt


1. Wash and chop all the veggies. If you like a pureed thick soup, you can cut them in smaller bits and add an extra potato.  If you want to eat it country style chunky, keep the pieces larger.

2. Start with about 1/2 cup of water in the pan and put the onions, garlic, celery into that and soften slightly. Then add all the rest of the ingredients, including all the water, and bring to a boil UNCOVERED. Turn the fire down to a serious simmer, cock a lid on the pot so it is partially covered but there's good air circulation. Cook until everything is soft. Could be 45 minutes, or 1.5 hours depending upon how thick you want it, and how large the pieces are.  Add another cup of water if it cooks down too much too fast.
3. Puree and eat! Very nice with a little fresh pepper, or croutons if you are eating such things.

Split Pea Soup

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving (342g)

Amount Per Serving		% Daily Value*
Calories	187	9%
Total Fat	1g	1%
Saturated Fat	0g	1%
Trans Fat
Cholesterol		0%
Sodium	37mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	36g	12%
Dietary Fiber	12g	48%
Sugars	5g	0%
Protein	11g	21%

Vitamin A	9%	•	Vitamin C	27%
Calcium	6%	•	Iron	15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calories needs. courtesy of cronometer.com using my data.