Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 3 cups dried split peas
• 7 cups water or vegetable stock (may need more)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 2 cups onions, minced
• 4 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 3 stalks celery, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 potato, diced
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1-4 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, to taste (or red wine vinegar)

Optional toppings

• sesame oil (optional)
• fresh ripe tomato, diced (optional)
• fresh parsley, minced (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Place first 5 ingredients in a large pot.

2. 2

   Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer, partially covered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent split peas from sticking to bottom of pot.

3. 3

   Add onions, garlic, celery, carrots and potato. (You can saute these first or add them in directly if you want a fat free soup).

4. 4

   Partially cover and allow to simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.(You may need to add extra water).

5. 5

   Season to taste with pepper and vinegar.

6. 6

   Serve with a drizzle of sesame oil, diced tomato and minced parsley.