The Tri- State area was in a frenzy Monday night preparing for Blizzard Stella. I already knew the grocery store was going to be pure mayhem. Luckily I was able to order all my groceries off food kick. Which is a great delivery service for groceries, you get 30 days free and then after your 30 days you just pay $3.99 for your delivery. This is very convenient in situations where you want nothing to do with the grocery store. Since I had a strong feeling that I would be snowed in the next day. I knew there was nothing better than some comforting food.
As I expected I did end up having a “Snow Day”. Now I’m very happy I didn’t have to go into work, but an adult snow day is nothing like a Snow Day as a child. The snow is no longer enjoyable to me, and I didn’t step foot outside the whole day; no snow angels or snowmen were made. I did, in fact, wake up at my normal time and log on remotely to do work. The only difference is I got to do it from the comfort of my bed. Since I had the extra time I figured why not make some soup. I wanted to try something different and figured I would give split pea soup a try. This is a very simple and easy recipe to make. The more I continue to make soups the more I am noticing they all have common ingredients; broth + veggies + protein and viola you have homemade soup!
I started to do my research and didn’t find one recipe that I was in love with so went ahead and made my own. I wanted to keep this a semi-healthy dish so I opted out on the potatoes. I also don’t have a strong liking for ham, so I used some Italian Sausage which really made this dish come together.
Another tip for my beginner cooks out there is make your own broth. It’s so simple and you are able to control how strong it is. All you have to do is boil about 6 cups of water and add 2-3 chicken bouillon cubes. Of course, this is just one of the ways to make broth without having to cook a whole chicken. After the water is boiling add the 2 cubes after it dissolves give it a taste. If you are able to get your hands on canned broth that works just fine.
Now you’re ready to start cutting up your veggies. I used 1 bag of baby carrots you don’t have to peel the skin just give them a quick chop. Alternatively, you can use 5 medium sized carrots. Chop up 4 stocks of celery and 1 onion.
Add your veggie to the pot, and add in 1 bag of split peas.
To the crockpot add 4 cups of broth plus 1 cup of water. Save the excess broth for later. Cook on high for 4 1/2 hours.
When there are 45 mins left add the browned sausage to the pan. Make sure you use a slotted spoon so you don’t pick up any liquid.
Let this cook for up to another 1 hour if you like adding more broth if it gets too thick. Top with fresh shredded Parmesan cheese,and enjoy!
Cooking up That Work Vol. 7
Snowstorms always make me vibe out to some good R&B songs. I have been listening to these songs all week, and its a random mix of old & new songs. What did you guys end up doing during this past snow storm?
Split Pea Soup
Hearty soup filled with carrots, celery, and onions. Sure to keep you warm during those cold nights.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of baby carrots or 5 medium carrots;chopped
- 4 stalks of celery chopped
- 1 bag of split peas
- 2-4 chicken bouillon cubes or 4 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of water divided
- dash garlic powder
- dash onion powder
- dash peper
- dash cayenne peper
- dash smoked paprika
- 1 pound Sweet Italian Sausage removed from casing
- Fresh grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Boil 6 cups of water
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Once water is boiling add chicken bouillion cubes, and stir to dissolve
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Once cubes have dissolved, taste and if flavor needs to be adjusted add 1 more cube
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Chop celery & carrots into bite size pieces.
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Add chopped veggies to the crock pot, and add the whole bag of peas.
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Add 4 cups of the broth and 1 cup of water. Stir until all combined.
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Place the crockpot on high and cook for 4 hours or cook on low for 6-8 hours. Check the pot once there are 2 hours remaining and if you need to add more liquid.
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As soup is cooking brown remove sausage from casing and brown. Cook until the meat is crumbled and brown. Set aside and let it cool.
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Add sausage to the soup during the last 45 mins of cooking, and add any extra broth when needed. Top with freshly shredded parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Until next time.
