Green Split Pea and Vegetable Soup

Introduction

Warm up with this hearty Green Split Pea and Vegetable Soup, featuring Heera Green Split Peas. Rated at a complexity level of 2, this soup is a perfect blend of nourishing legumes and vegetables, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 green chili, chopped, optional
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the green split peas in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and green chili (if using) and cook for another minute.
3. Add the carrots, celery, and zucchini (if using) and cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
4. Stir in the vegetable broth, water, turmeric powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the green split peas are tender.
5. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and parsley.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve hot.

Tips:

• For a richer flavour, you can use whole spices instead of ground spices. Toast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric powder, and red chili powder in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, then grind them together. For a spicier soup, add more green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• To add a touch of creaminess, stir in a dollop of yogurt or sour cream before serving.
• For a healthier option, use low-sodium vegetable broth.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Green Split Pea and Vegetable Soup with warm naan bread or roti.
• For a more flavourful dish, add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream to each serving.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions.

Variations:

• Add a handful of chopped spinach or kale to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• For a heartier soup, add cooked chickpeas, lentils, or potatoes to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• If you don't have a pot large enough to hold all of the ingredients, you can divide the mixture between two pots.
• This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated in a saucepan or microwave.