Vegan Split Pea & Ham Soup

Vegan Split Pea & Ham Soup 

I have to admit that growing up Split Pea & Ham was NOT my favorite comfort food. My mom made it over and over again...and still I didn't like it. But sense I have been vegan I have seemed to warm up to this comforting delight everyone else but me liked. So re-doing the recipe over and over again and mixing it with my moms recipe, I have come up with a soup that cannot only satisfy vegans but meat eaters alike. Serve with your favorite crusty bread and salad. Enjoy!

Vegan Split Pea & Ham Soup 

Ingredients

-1 pound dried split peas
-1 field roast hot dog, cut in fours & chunked into small pieces

-1 oz of vegan bacon bits
-1 Tablespoons vegan butter

-2 Tablespoons oil, I used Olive
-1 medium onion, finely chopped
-2 celery stalks, finely chopped into thirds
-2 large carrots, cut into fourths and chopped
-3 small to medium garlic cloves, finely minced
-1 teaspoon salt
-3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
-1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-8 cups water

-2 packets vegan ham bouillon 

-1 teaspoon vegan pork bouillon
-2 medium bay leafs
-1 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped

-1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes

Directions

In a large pot, put oil and melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrot, celery, garlic and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if desired) and cook for about 3 minutes.  

Add vegan hot dog and bacon bits and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the dried peas and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add 8 cups of water, the bay leaf and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender, about 1 hour. Add more water as needed, if the soup becomes too thick or dry for your taste. Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite crusty bread and salad. Enjoy!

-Amy