Hearty Split Pea Soup

I took two of my favorite cook books, and custom made a recipe and it turned out DELICIOUS!

Split peas are such a wonderful source of B vitamins, protein and fiber.  The latter being known to help lower cholesterol.

2 Cups split peas rinsed and picked through
6-7 cups broth (I used Imagine NO Chicken)
1/4 red onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 yellow potatoes, diced
2-3 stalks celery, diced
1 tsp Rosemary
1 Tsp Basil
1/2 tsp dried parsley
dash prepared mustard (more than a tsp, but not much?)
1/2 tsp liquid smoke - this adds the smoky salty flavor that ham does, but none of the fat, calories or cholesterol.

toss all ingredients into a slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours on low. OR into a stock pot, bring to a simmer and then cover and simmer for about an hour.

The split pea's got SO tender! Salt and pepper to personal taste! I enjoyed this with fresh bread