Homemade Split Pea Soup

Is there anything more comforting than a hot bowl of homemade soup on a cold winter's day? I have always loved Split Pea Soup but have never made it from scratch. I am always looking for ways to simplify my cooking, while still enjoying delicious and nutritious meals. Until about one year ago, I thought soup was something that came out of a red and white can from the grocery store.

Conventional canned soups have too many artificial ingredients and additives and they just taste so bland to me. For some reason, I thought that only really good cooks made soup from scratch. I thought that making homemade soup was mysterious and difficult.

Finally I came up with a recipe using all organic ingredients and one that is so easy to make. Eating healthy doesn't have to be expensive. The ingredients for this entire recipe cost me less than $10.00.

Here is my recipe for homemade Split Pea Soup:

Note: You may have to add water as it's cooking depending upon if you like your soup thick or thin.

Ingredients:
 1-1/2 teaspoons extra virgin organic olive oil
 1/2  organic onion, chopped
 1/2 bay leaf
 1-1/2 cloves organic garlic, minced
 1 cup organic dried split peas
 1/4 cup organic barley
 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
 5-3/4 cups spring water or use vegetable broth
 1-1/2  organic carrots, chopped
 1-1/2 stalks organic celery, chopped
 1-1/2 organic potatoes, diced
 1/4 cup chopped parsley
 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:
In a large pot over medium high heat, saute the oil, onion, bay leaf and garlic for 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Add the peas, barley, salt and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and cover. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, parsley, basil, thyme and ground black pepper. Simmer for another hour, or until the vegetables are tender.  Makes approx. 5 servings.


Laurel ♥