Hoff's Split Pea Soup

Hoff's Split Pea Soup
Makes: About 10 cups
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free

Ingredients:

• 20 oz. Split Peas (rinsed)
• 8 cups Veggie Broth
• 4 cups Water
• 2 White Potatoes (peeled & chopped)
• 1 cup shredded Carrots (chopped)
• 1 Zucchini (shredded) (optional)
• 1 cup Orzo Pasta (optional)
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2-3 cloves of Garlic (minced)
• 1/3 cup BBQ Sauce
• 1/3 cup Braggs
• 2 tbsp. Liquid Smoke
• 1 tbsp. Cumin 
• 2 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 2 tsp. Onion Powder
• Season with Sea Salt
• 8 oz. Smoked Tempeh (chopped) (optional)

Directions:

Stove Top

1. In a very large pot over medium-high heat, sautee Onion until soft, add Garlic stir for about one minute
2. Add Veggie Broth & Water, bring to a boil
3. Add Split Peas, Potatoes, Carrots & Zucchini
4. Season with Braggs, Liquid Smoke, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder & Cumin
5. Cover & cook for 30 minutes
6. Reduce to simmer and cook for another 20 minutes
7. Add Orzo & cook for additional 10 minutes
8. Remove about 4 cups of soup & blend into a puree, stir back into soup (optional)
9. Season with Sea Salt & serve

Crock Pot

1. In a very large Crock Pot, set to High, begin to soften Onions & Garlic
2. Add Veggie Broth & Water, turn back to Low
3. Stir in Split Peas, Potatoes, Carrots & Zucchini
4. Season with Braggs & Liquid Smoke
5. Cover & cook for 6-8 hours
6. With 2 hours or less to go, add Garlic Powder, Onion Powder & Cumin
7. Add Orzo & cook for additional 30 minutes or until soft
8. Remove about 4 cups of soup & blend into a puree, stir back into soup (optional)
   
9. Season with Sea Salt & serve

My2Cents: Check your Split Peas before serving to make sure they are soft, you may have to cook longer or add more liquid.  Adding the Salt during cooking will prevent the Peas from softening.  You know your soup is done when the liquid cooks down & thickens and the peas become mushy & soft.