Cozy Split Pea Soup (Original video)

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, peeled and diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, crushed and chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks of celery, diced
• 2 potatoes, chopped into bite-sized chunks
• 1 cup dried split peas (soaked overnight)
• 400g can of chickpeas
• 4 cups unsalted vegetable stock
• 4 cups water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Fresh cracked pepper
• Pinch of chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
• Pinch of dried oregano
• Fresh lemon juice
• Freshly chopped parsley
• Chili oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a stockpot over medium heat, add olive oil, onions, and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another couple of minutes.
2. Add fresh thyme, salt, pepper, chili flakes, paprika, and oregano. Stir and cook for a few minutes.
3. Add carrots, celery, split peas, potatoes, chickpeas, vegetable stock, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. Carefully transfer a few cups of the soup into a blender and blend for 5-8 seconds. Return the blended mixture to the pot and stir.
6. Finish the soup with lemon juice, parsley, and chili oil (optional).
7. Serve the soup with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the cozy and hearty split pea soup!