Yellow Split Pea Soup

This was thick, colorful, and full of flavor.

1 package yellow split peas

Cover with water, about an inch over the peas. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain and rinse; return peas to pot.

Add:

4 cups vegetable stock
3 carrots, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup pearl barley, brown rice or quinoa (rinsed well)
1 tsp. salt

Simmer for at least 30 minutes. If you use brown rice, you'll need about 50 total.

10 minutes before serving, add:

1/4 tsp. sesame oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh tomato
1/4 cup chopped fresh zucchini
salt and pepper to taste.

You can make this with green split peas, but the color here is really gorgeous!