During the cold weather, I like cooking hot soups; Green split peas is very popular in my house, liked by everyone in my family.

It is so hearty, healthy, filling, warm and high in fiber. This low cost soup can be cooked with ham or just vegetables and can be served either puréed (smooth blended) or left, as it is chunky.

INGREDIENTS:

1½ cup dried split peas

4 vegetable stock

1 small onion diced

2 medium celery stalks diced

1/2 Lb. ham bone (optional)

2 small carrots, diced

1 small garlic clove

2 tablespoon olive oil

Croutons (optional)

Parsley leaves for garnish (optional)

STEPS:

First, in pot over medium high heat, stir in diced onion, diced celery, diced carrots and garlic with olive oil and cook until soft.

Add the ham and the dried split peas and cover with vegetables stock, bring the a boil and reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until peas are tender.

Remove ham and keep the meat by trimming excess fat.

Serve hot and garnish with croutons, parsley leaf and drizzle with olive oil.