Photo by Nina Stout
Split pea soup is a hearty, warming, one dish meal that is perfect for this time of year. With the shorter days upon us, dinner time has a funny way of coming around a little quicker..or so it seems anyway. What better way to be prepared for your evening meal than with an easy and tasty soup.
Split pea soup is also especially great if you need to stretch your grocery budget a little as it is a rather inexpensive meal to create. Here's what you need:
- bag of green split peas $1.99
- 2 lb package of Jennie-O turkey ham (OPTIONAL...this can be replaced by 1/2 cup rinsed quinoa) (use half the ham and freeze the rest...2lbs ham costs $5.99 / 2 = $2.99 for 1 lb)
- 8 cups water
- 3 large carrots (~$0.50)
- 1/2 onion (~$0.50)
- 3 tsp chicken base (~$0.30) ($6.89 @ CostCo / 76 tsp = $0.09/tsp)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (~$0.25)
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SPLIT PEA SOUP DINNER FOR A FAMILY OF 4 WILL COST ONLY: $6.53
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil in large pot over medium heat
- Sautee chopped onion, then add cubed ham and sautee for 5 minutes until browned
- Add chopped carrots and stir for a minute or so
- Add peas and stir for another minute
- Add water and chicken base or boullion
- Reduce heat to a simmer, and cover part way
- Cook over low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally
Serve with a tossed salad and some whole wheat Italian bread for a hearty, nutritious and cost-effective meal.
For more information: Learn about the benefits of split peas. Take a cooking class with Nina in Denver. Purchase "Better Than Boullion Organic Chicken Base" at your local Cost Co.
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