Split Pea Vegetable Soup. serves 5

– Before you start cooking, rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Check for any small stones or unwanted particles and discard them. Set the peas aside for later.

#### 2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
– Add the carrots, celery, and potato to the pot, and sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the vegetables soften and develop more flavor.

#### 3. **Add the Split Peas and Seasonings:**
– Add the rinsed split peas to the pot, followed by the zucchini, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine, allowing the herbs to coat the vegetables and peas with flavor.

#### 4. **Add the Broth and Simmer:**
– Pour in the vegetable broth (or water, if you prefer) and bring the soup to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for about 45-50 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and the vegetables are soft.
– Stir the soup occasionally as it cooks to ensure the peas don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. If the soup seems too thick, you can add a little more water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

#### 5. **Season and Adjust:**
– Once the split peas are fully cooked and the soup has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you want to add a bit of brightness to the soup, stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice.

#### 6. **Serve and Garnish:**
– Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to each serving.

### Serving Suggestions:

– **With Crusty Bread:** Serve the soup alongside a warm, crusty loaf of bread or a slice of toasted sourdough for a complete meal.
– **With a Side Salad:** Pair the soup with a light green salad for a refreshing contrast to the hearty, rich soup.
– **Add Protein:** If you’d like to make the soup even heartier, you can add a handful of cooked quinoa, rice, or even shredded chicken to boost the protein content.
– **Toppings:** Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra creaminess and flavor.

### Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Vegetable Soup:

– **Nutritious and Filling:** Split peas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Combined with a variety of vegetables, this soup is a nutrient-packed meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
– **Versatile:** This recipe is easily customizable. You can swap out or add other vegetables, like spinach, kale, or tomatoes, depending on what you have on hand or what you prefer.
– **Comforting:** There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that’s incredibly comforting. This soup is perfect for cozy nights or whenever you need a wholesome, hearty meal.
– **Easy to Make:** With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this soup comes together quickly. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup!
– **Vegan-Friendly:** This soup is naturally vegan, but you can also add non-vegan options like cheese or cream for extra richness if desired.

### Tips for Success:

– **Split Pea Texture:** Some people prefer their split pea soup smooth and creamy, while others like it with more texture. To achieve a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or transfer a portion to a blender and blend it before returning it to the pot.
– **Add Spice:** If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the soup for a subtle kick.
– **Make It Ahead:** This soup actually tastes better the next day, so feel free to make a big batch and store it in the fridge for a few days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead meal.

### Conclusion:

This **Split Pea Vegetable Soup** is a wholesome, comforting, and satisfying dish that brings together a variety of vegetables and the natural goodness of split peas. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking to make a big batch of soup for the week ahead, this recipe serves 5 and is perfect for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both healthy and delicious.

Packed with nutrients and flavor, **Split Pea Vegetable Soup** is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients and enjoy this cozy, vibrant soup that’s perfect for any time of year!