West Indian Style Split Pea Soup

The days are short and chilly with precipitation looming across the country. Times like these make me crave the warmth and comfort of a good, hearty bowl of soup.

You may have read before that one of my goals of this market is to create delicious shortcuts that will have you in and out of your kitchens with a Gourmet feast in hand in much less time than usual. Keep that in mind as you read this recipe. There are several soup mixes (including one for this soup) available in our Spices, Soups and Teas section of the store.

However, if you have the time, here's the delicious and complete recipe for this scrumptious West Indian Style Split Pea Soup with Ham.

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh pumpkin diced (or 8oz puree)

2/3 cup dried split peas

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

3 sprigs fresh thyme

2 celery stalks diced

2 carrots peeled and diced

1 med yellow onion diced

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp fresh ginger

1 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp salt

6 cups of water

1 cup diced ham

1/2 tbsp vegetable oil

Method:

In a medium stock pot heat oil and saute onions, ham and celery for 2 minutes. Add water, split peas, thyme and ginger and bring to a boil. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes then add pumpkin, veggies, salt, pepper, sugar and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 20 minutes on medium heat (uncovered) or until split peas are tender. Test for salt (taste) and add 1/2 tsp salt or adjust to your taste.

Serve and enjoy.

Makes approximately 4 servings

** I used TQM Vegan Pea Soup Mix in the photo below that included noodles**