Sunday, September 4, 2011

Yellow Split Pea and Leek Soup

I really enjoy encouraging people to try plant based foods and recipes, and just recently bought the book Forks Over Knives, and am awaiting my DVD of the same name.  The American people are suffering from preventable diseases which can be not only prevented, but eliminated, if they would just change the foods they eat.  Hypertension, Type II diabetes, and heart disease are amongst a few such ailments that all respond beautifully to eliminating animal based foods from the diet, especially the casein that comes from milk.  A plant based diet isn't about what you can't eat anymore, it's about now going out and experiencing the vast array of foods that are available, that maybe you haven't tried!

This is a recipe that as a child and young adult, that I would have snubbed my nose at!  Who in the world eats split peas?  Aren't they green mush?  NOT AT ALL! Esp when you use yellow split peas!  The split peas do have to cook for about an hour first, then it all goes together very quickly!

Even though today is a warm August day, and a little humid, I'm looking forward to making this for the colder fall and winter days.



Yellow Split Pea and Leek Soup
adapted from FOK

1 cup dried yellow split peas
3 cups of water
2 cups of vegetable broth
1 long celery stalk or 2 small ones, diced finely
1 large leek, cut in half and washed, diced finely
1 large carrot, diced finely
1/2-1 of a half-hot pepper or pepper of choice, diced finely
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp salt

Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium pan, add split peas, and bring back to a boil, and move pan to a small burner and simmer gently on low for approximately one hour till the peas are soft. Watch your water level if you have a hot burner, as you don't want to scortch the peas on the bottom of the pan. 

When peas are cooked, add the vegetable broth, and remaining vegetables.  Simmer again for approx 20 minutes till vegetables are cooked through.  Add the thyme and salt, and stir well.

This will give you 3-4 servings.  Serve with whole grain crackers or bread and a salad!


9 comments:

Unknown said...

looks good! I concur that as Americans many of us could use diet make overs!

Jess said...

You know Haylie, I just plain and simply love warm soft food...to me that is the epitome of comfort food. No fat is even required! But thanks, and I definately agree.

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with the need for a diet makeover! We are in the process of trying to do the same here at my house. But cooking on a day like today? Bravo to you! It's left overs for us. According to WKTV we only have to make it through today...and though tomorrow will be rainy it will be cooler! Time for me to make zucchini bread and try an awesome recipe for apple zucchini muffins made with quinoa flour.

Love reading your blog and looking at your pictures.

Jess said...

thanks so much! Appreciate it! Let me know if I can help with any diet makeover issues!

Free Math Worksheets said...

Thanks 4 sharing the recipe

Ballet News said...

definately going to give it a whirl !

Mary said...

i just made this and I love it! First time I have used leeks - no longer intimidated by them!

Preschool Math Online said...

nice photos.!

peter said...

nice snaps:)
virtual games for kids