Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup garnished with cilantro
I love the simplicity of this soup! It’s a huge success in my home whenever we’re looking for a meal that’s quick, delicious, and satisfying. Split peas are easily digestible and high in protein. Tasty and healing spices are included to make this soup delightful for the Spring and Summer.
Spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger
Cumin: promotes digestion, contains iron
Coriander: boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, contains vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron
Turmeric: Contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
Ginger: also great to boost immunity and reduce inflammation, staves off summer colds and infections, reduces bloating and indigestion
Winter is typically when we enjoy nourishing comfort foods, while Spring and Summer are the seasons for lighter meals. It’s harder to break down heavier foods like soups and heavy desserts when we are in warmer climates – yet here I am sharing a soup recipe in the midst of Spring as temperatures are rising into the 70s. All you have to do is modify the recipe with seasonal goodies.
Split pea is one of the easiest soup recipes around. Adding turkey or sausage is not even necessary to achieve the best tasting split pea soup. Trust me, these spices rock the pot and suffice the palate – a recipe for more outdoor fun!
Recipe
2 cups split peas
1 tbsp fresh ginger root – chopped or grated
1 garlic clove – minced
1 tbsp ghee (dairy) or cooking oil (olive, avocado, or coconut oil)
1 small onion – chopped
5 cups water or vegetable broth
½ fresh lemon
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
Optional: add fresh cilantro or sage to pot or use as a garnish when serving in bowl
Instructions
In a large pot, sauté the spices, fresh ginger root, and onion in ghee (or oil of your choice) for a few minutes
Add the split peas and coat them with the spices in pot
Add the water or vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes
Using a handheld emulsifier, purée the soup until smooth
Squeeze fresh lemon into the soup, add some cilantro or sage to the pot and mix, or use as a garnish
Genia’s Spoon Me Tips
If legumes often make you gassy or bloated, you're not alone! Some tips to make beans and lentils less uncomfortable include soaking (30 minutes or overnight) and rinsing them before cooking to reduce the indigestible carbohydrates.
There are plenty of yummy cold soups for the warmer seasons too – that’s for another blog. Please continue to enjoy warm soups during the Spring and Summer. They are my go-to for a quick meal – you’ll love the simple living and deliciousness waiting for you in a pot that keeps on giving.
Love, peace, and soup,
Genia