Filling and Tasty Split Pea Soup!

Split Pea with Smart Bacon Soup

Prep Time:  Approx. 15 minutes                                 Serves: 4 people

Cook Time:  Approx. 1 ½ - 2 hours

You will need:

1)      3 Cups Dry Organic Split Peas, cleaned.

2)     Approximately 2 cups Spring water and 1 carton of Pacific organic vegetable   broth, in heavy pot. You may need to add more as the peas cook down and    absorb the liquid, so watch the pot carefully.

3)     1/2 Sweet Organic Vidalia Onion, chopped in small chunks

4)     1 Organic Carrot sliced finely into medallions then cut into quarters

5)     1 Tablespoon each: dried organic garlic granules, dried organic parsley (or 1 ½ Tablespoons fresh), dried organic Thyme.

6)     1 - 2 Tablespoons of Roasted Organic Sesame Oil (Not for use with cancer patients, use ¼ cup water instead).

7)      Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Organic Pepper to taste, (Optional, approx. 2 teaspoons each).

8)     4 slices of Smart Bacon, sliced width-wise into small strips.

9)     2 Tbls Organic Brown Rice Vinegar added the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Saute diced onion, carrot, Smart Bacon and spices in Sesame Oil (or water) In large, heavy  soup pot.  When Onions are lightly browned, or soft (In the case of water usage), add water, broth and split peas.  Turn down heat, set on flame diffuser and simmer gently for approximately 1 ½ - 2 hours.  Check pot frequently to make sure that you don’t need to add any water.  If you do, only add a cup of water at a time. 
When peas are softened and have turned from bright green to an olive color, the soup is done.  Add vinegar and simmer for about 15 minutes more.

Pour into small soup bowls and garnish with sliced scallions or a sprig of fresh rosemary.  Enjoy!