Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

Prep Time:30 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4 minutes

A hearty, protein-rich soup made with split peas, herbs, and vegetables — thick, warming, and completely meat-free.

Ingredients:
  • 3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 quart vegetable broth 1 cup dried split peas
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried chipotle chile pepper
  • salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
  1. Bring a medium-size pot of salted water to a boil, add orzo and cook until al dente. Drain well.
  2. In a large skillet, saute onion, celery, garlic, and carrots in olive oil for 5 minutes.
  3. Place vegetables, vegetable broth, peas, thyme, chile pepper, salt and pepper in a pressure cooker. Cover. When pressure cooker reaches full pressure, cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the pressure cooker from the heat. Add cooked orzo and serve.
  4. Note: If you would like creamier soup, puree soup in a food processor or blender. Add additional broth to bring the soup to the consistency you desire.