Spring cookbook: Split pea vegetable soup recipe

Time to dust off the old spring recipes and eat lighter!

Find everything you need to make this refreshing soup at your local Meijer.

• olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 3/4 cup dried split peas
• 2 t Mrs Dash original (or your favorite seasoning)
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 cups chicken, beef or vegetable broth
• 1 potato, peeled and diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1-2 cups broccoli, broken into pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon basil, rubbed
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach

1. In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle a little oil.
2. Add onion and celery and sauté about 10 minutes. Stir in peas, Mrs Dash, bay leaves and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour.
3. Remove the bay leaves and stir in the potatoes, zucchini, broccoli, basil and salt and pepper. Simmer 20 minutes or til potatoes are tender.
4. Remove from heat; stir in spinach and cover. Let sit 5 minutes.
5. Check seasoning and adjust as desired.
6. Served with homemade pepper cheese bread.