How to Make Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

This meat-free version of split pea soup tastes just as good as its ham-laden cousin. Serves six.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Salt And Pepper To Taste
• Saucepans
• 4 c. fat free vegetable broths
• 2 c. dried split peas - picked over and rinsed
• 2 medium-sized carrots - sliced lengthwise and then in 1/2-inch thick slices
• 2 c. cold water
• 2 tsp. olive (not virgin) oil
• 1 medium-sized chopped onions
• 1 finely chopped rib of celery

1. Heat oil in a heavy, 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, carrots and celery, plus salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring, 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add split peas, broth and water. Bring to a boil.
4. Partially cover saucepan and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 45 minutes, or until soup is thick. Taste for seasoning and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Puree the soup for a finer texture.
• Add some chopped tomato to the soup at the end. Try adding a teaspoon or two of vinegar or lemon juice, as well, to brighten the flavors.