Meatless Monday - 5 Ingredient Split Pea Soup

There's nothing easier than making a big pot of soup during the winter.  All you need is a few ingredients and you can set yourself up for the week.  Here is my super easy recipe for split pea soup, that is really flavorful, and satisfying.

Note:  You must soak the split peas overnight and cook them ahead of time.  If you don't cook them ahead of time, the carrots will get mushy before the split peas are cooked.   I like to soak my beans and cook them in batches and store them in the freezer for easy access to a quick healthy meal.

5 Ingredient Split Pea Soup

* 5 main ingredients are highlighted in red.  Staple pantry items like olive oil, salt, pepper don't count towards the 5 ingredients because you should always have them in your pantry :)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of dried split peas, soaked overnight and cooked until tender.
• 2 carrots, medium dice
• 2 stalks of celery, medium dice
• 1 onion, medium dice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups water
• 2 teaspoons chickpea miso** (you can omit and add more salt to taste if you don't have it)

**Chickpea miso is a high protein seasoning that is made from a combination of chickpeas, cultured grain, and sea salt by a special fermentation process. It gives a salty, umami taste, and when combined with smoked paprika, gives the hint of smokey ham that is traditionally the flavor profile of split pea soup without the meat!

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil on medium heat.  Add the diced carrots, celery and onion. 
   
2. Sauté until the onions become translucent (about 4 minutes).  
3. Add the smoked paprika, salt and pepper and sauté for another minute or so. Then add the split peas and water.
4. Mix and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer and add the chickpea miso.
5. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until carrots are tender but not mushy.
6. Remove half of the soup and puree using an immersion blender, blender, or food processor.
   
7. Pour the puree back into the soup pot and mix to incorporate.
   
8. Serve hot and garnish with some fresh ground pepper and smoked paprika.