Quick & Easy Split Pea Soup

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• 1 cup split peas
• 1/4 cup long-grain rice or 1/4 cup brown rice
• 5 cups water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced into small pieces
• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt (don't skimp)
• pepper
• 1 bay leaf

Recipe

• 1 combine peas, rice, and water in a saucepan or small stock-pot; bring to boil then reduce heat; add vegetables, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to pot.
• 2 simmer for one hour; discard bay leaf and, if desired, partially mash up the soft-cooked split peas with the back a large spoon. alternately, you may puree the soup in a blender or food-processor before serving.
• 3 for more flavor, you may use broth or homemade stock instead of water, or use a combination of half tomato juice and half water. you may also add 1/2 teaspoon cumin for a southwestern flavor, or (one or the other, not both) add a bit of rubbed sage for a "smoky" note.