Snow Day Split Pea Spectacular

1 lb. split peas
1/4 lb. lentils (optional-I like the texture these provide)
1/4-1/2 cup ham, cooked bacon, or even pepperoni, chopped finely (optional-but it does give that smoky flavor most enjoy)
1/2 can pureed pumpkin
15 oz. chicken or veggie broth
2-3 TBSP. olive oil
1/4 cup white wine (if desired)
1 med. onion, diced
8 oz. container mushrooms, sliced and cut in half
2-3 carrots, chopped
1-2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tspn. sage
1 tspn. garlic powder
1/2 tspn. cumin
1 tspn. paprika
1/2 tspn. chili powder
salt and pepper to taste

Use one big soup pot from start to finish
1)Saute small bits of your meat of choice until just turning brown-about 5 mins.
2)add in olive oil/white wine
3)add in onion, mushrooms, carrots, celery and sautee until tender- about 10 mins.
4)add in broth-stir
5)add all of split peas and lentils
6)bring to boil
7)reduce heat to low
8)add all herbs and spices now
9)cover and let simmer until everything is tender, stirring occasionally
9)add pureed pumpkin, stir until mixed in and heated through-add more seasoning as needed
10)Enjoy with a slightly sweet bread (I recommend my honey rye bread recipe)


Back story: Made this on a snow day in January. Throughout the entire day, our chilly apartment was filled with the wonderful warm aroma of onions, peas, bacon and broth. The extra kept in the freezer quite well, and, with some crusty bread, made for a comforting lunch later in the winter!