Split Pea & Lentil Soup

Still sick! Yay…
I’ve grown accustomed to living off soup and NyQuil, but I have a good feeling it’ll end soon considering it’s been over a week. Moving on, let’s talk about this bomb ass soup. I can’t complain, I know I say that a lot, but after having liquid-y food for a week, I think that means something. So get your butts in the kitchen and give it a try.

I love the density of this soup, it’s not a light one where you’re still looking for more afterwards. You’ll feel nice and full after. Reeeal satisfying.

There is a great blend of veggies in here, along with a good amount of spices. Also, I f*cking love lentils and split peas… when they get all soft… YUM.

Portions of this recipe were borrowed from Verna at The Cheeky Chickpea.

Ingredients:

2 c of split peas
1 c lentils
9 c water
1 tsp salt
2 bay leaves
3 tbsp water or broth
1 yellow onion, diced
3 carrots, diced
4 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp liquid aminos (optional)
OR
1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
3 c spinach

Instructions:

Rinse the green split peas and lentils well and add them to your favorite soup pot (5 qt or bigger) with salt, bay leaves and water. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
While peas are simmering add onions, broth, pinch of salt & pepper to a med/lg skillet . Saute on medium heat for 5-7 minutes or so till onions are soft and slightly caramely, then add rest of veggies and cook for 5 minutes or so till slightly softened.
After 15 minutes add rest of ingredients to the pot, cover and continue to simmer for an additional 45 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally , until peas are (fall apart) soft.
Right before you take it off the heat, add in the spinach, let the leaves soften and cook for about a minute or so.
Remove from heat and season with more salt and pepper if desired. If the soup seems to thicken add more water if you like, or broth.
Frying your veggies first is optional but adds extra flavor
Enjoy that sh*t!