Yellow Split Pea Soup

Shown with spinach for a hearty lunch.

Ingredients:

14 oz. package of yellow split peas
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, diced
1 stalk of celery, chopped
6 cups of water or vegetable broth
1 slice of fresh turmeric
1 bay leaf
dash of cloves
1/8 tsp ground coriander
1/2 cup of chopped ham (optional)
   omit for Vegan option
Salt & pepper
1 tbs olive oil

Hand full of fresh spinach (optional)

Preparation:

Heat a saute pan and add the olive oil. Saute the onion, carrot and celery for 5 minutes.
Rinse the peas. Add the peas and broth/water, and the rest of the ingredients.
Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cover and simmer until the peas are tender, about 30 minutes.

This soup will be course, but if you like it smoother, you can puree for a bit in a vitamix or blender. 

Also, add fresh spinach while it is still hot (stir to blend).