Hearty Vegan Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 ½ cups yellow onion (diced)

1 ¼ cups celery (diced)

1 cup carrots (diced)

1 cup red potatoes (diced)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

4 cups vegetable broth

4 cups water

1 (16oz) bag dried split peas (follow instructions on rinsing and picking peas)

2 bay leaves

½ teaspoon dried thyme

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery and sauté 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute longer.

2. Pour in vegetable broth and water. Add split peas, bay leaves, smoked paprika, and thyme. Season lightly with salt and with pepper to taste.

3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and let simmer, stirring occasionally until peas are tender, about 30 - 40 minutes.

4. Add carrots and potatoes to soup. Cover soup and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until peas have mostly broken down, about 20-30 minutes longer.

5. Season with more salt if needed. Serve warm. This soup goes great with your favorite crackers or toasted bread.