Soul Satisfying Soup

Jun 29th, 2009 by jenna

Hey!

First of all: Would any Madison readers like to get together for a 3 mile run on Sunday morning? I can’t really do anything on Saturday because we are going to be so rushed but I’d really love to run around this lake you speak of…on a nice soft trail, preferably? Email me if you are interested!

I found Ryan a ticket!! Thank you all so much for your suggestions—I ended up finding two one-way tickets that were much cheaper than getting a round trip. I think the total was a little less than $200—not too shabby for last minute on a holiday weekend! The only bad thing is that his flight leaves to go home on Sunday morning at 6:30 am! Poor Ryan…he will be a tired boy for sure but at least now he can finally meet my grandparents and I’ll have a date for the wedding!

Preview of my dress! Can you tell I love pink?

I bought this dress from a Charleston boutique over two years ago and have only worn it ONCE! If you haven’t noticed by now, I absolutely adore dresses and look for every excuse to buy a new one. Finding this one in the back of my closet was almost as good as buying a new one! The wedding is a garden wedding at 1:30 in the afternoon so I’m thinking this will be perfect. Still not sure about the outfit for the rehearsal dinner on Friday though!

This afternoon I headed to the gym after lunch for some cardio. I did a very sweaty 20 minutes on the stairmaster and then hopped on the treadmill to do some incline speed walking but stopped at 6 minutes. I think I was a bit dehydrated because all of a sudden I just felt insanely hungry and knew if I didn’t eat SOON it would be bad! That happens to me sometimes and its odd. I won’t feel hungry and then BAM hunger will hit and almost knock me over! Anyone?!

I raced home and had a nice substantial snack: an Oikos honey greek yogurt with 2 tbsp of MixMyGranola recovery mix and a slice of watermelon!

Sweet sweat!

After my snack I set forth on my task of making split pea soup! I know many of you will probably think I’ve lost my mind for making something like split pea soup in the dead of summer but its one of my very favorite meals and I had a big craving!

Here’s my recipe—I’ve never found one that beats it! Simple = better

Simple Split Pea Soup

Serves 4

2 cups dried split peas

6-7 cups water

1 onion, chopped

1 yam or sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes

sea salt to taste

3/4 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp ground cumin

cayenne pepper to taste (I like a lot!)

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Heat the olive oil in a large pot. When its sizzling, add the chopped onion and cook for about 10 minutes or so on low/medium heat until the onions are super soft and almost starting to caramelize. Add the split peas, water and sweet potato and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 30-40 minutes or until the peas are very soft and tender. Ladle about 75% of the soup into a blender and whirl until totally smooth (be very careful—soup is HOT!). Add the pureed soup back into the pot and stir to combine. Add the spices and season with salt to taste.

I love this soup so much because I can eat it all week long. It really gets better as the days pass and freezes nicely, too! Great to make when cooking on a budget!

I broke out my new bowl for my soup tonight—

Its my own personal ELR bowl!!!! How cute is that?!

I like big, deep bowls for oatmeal and cereal and shallow bowls for soup so this was perfect!

SPICY organic blue corn chip crumbs!

The best idea all day….

It was awful! I hated it!

I don’t care if split pea soup looks like (insert foul word here), I LOVE it and it satisfies my soul.

Dessert was the last SCM cookie + one big “crumb”—

I’m off to catch up on emails (couldn’t email all day because my server wasn’t working) and read. See you in the morning!

Click here for Michele’s contest! You could win (gasp!) a 16 ounce jar of Coconut Mango Persimmon Butter AND an 8 ounce jar of Raw Almond Butter–both organic and Living Tree Community ”Alive” products. The contest ends tomorrow evening at 9 pm so enter now!

Tags: cardio, dessert, Dinner, Exercise, musings, recipes, Snack

Posted in Dinner, Exercise, Snack, dessert

79 Responses to “Soul Satisfying Soup”

on 29 Jun 2009 at 7:32 pm1Recipes for Creativity

Jenna, I just tried making granola bars based on your recipe…based on Angela’s recipe! I had to change things, too, since I didn’t have everything you did, but they are delicious! And I LOVE the color of that dress!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 7:41 pm2steph

yey!!! I can’t wait to try out the soup recipe and I love the dress. We are the same! I just bought a dress at bcbg and always love love love to pick up a dress here and there haha
on 29 Jun 2009 at 7:43 pm3Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats

Gorgeous dress Jenna!! Pink is my absolute favorite color in the world! Soup looks divine…even in the heat!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 7:43 pm4Willa

Jenna: I would love to but unfortunately I am leaving for China this Friday! I really hope you enjoy Madison though, and please take lots of beautiful pictures (I know you will)!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 7:44 pm5Daria (Summer of the CSAs)

Beautiful dress!

I get that hunger thing sometimes too – if I don’t eat immediately I get really shaky and a little dizzy. No fun!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 7:46 pm6marisa

I love soup, even in the summer! By the way, you should definitely plan a return trip to Charleston sometime soon. Check out http://www.charlestonpoweryoga.com. Two former Blue Turtle teachers are about to open it and it’s going to be AWESOME! Honestly, they are two of the very best and inspiring treachers I’ve ever had. Worth a trip up here! and for the dress shops, too
on 29 Jun 2009 at 7:47 pm7Sarah

Adorable dress. After seeing the movie 2 dresses with my BFF, she bet I had over 27 in my closet so I went home and counted….and I have 35! Oops, I rarely find tops and pants I like but always manage to find a cute dress.

Enjoy the rest of your evening!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 7:54 pm8Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl

Jenna, that is the most beautiful color of pink!! Pink is only my FAVORITE color!!

And would you believe I’ve NEVER had split pea soup? Isn’t that crazy??!! I’ll have to try it sometime!!! Thanks for the recipe!!

I also appreciate you sharing my contest!!

So glad you found Ryan a ticket. Yay!!!

Michele
on 29 Jun 2009 at 7:54 pm9Mary

Have so much fun in Madison– it’s such a great city!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 7:56 pm10Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now

That soup looks amazing. I was craving soup so badly last night but luckily went to bed instead of making any.
on 29 Jun 2009 at 8:02 pm11runeatrepeat

I love the dress I like soup all the time too!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 8:04 pm12yasmin

I am just like you. I love, love, love dresses and buy them whenever I get the chance. Just today I bought 3! I don’t know where I’ll wear them though but I’m sure an occasion will come up. Hope you have fun at the wedding and pink looks great!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 8:07 pm13Maria

So glad that you found Ryan tickets for the wedding .

I am totally like you with hunger–I don’t know when I’ll be hungry, and if I don’t have anything soon, I swear I will faint. That’s why I have snacks on hand at all times .

The soup looks absolutely delicious. I’m always looking for a yummy split pea soup recipe without ham/port/meat. Niiiice bowl!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 8:11 pm14VeggieGirl

What a gorgeous dress!! And you were right when you told me about the soup earlier – that recipe IS killer with the sweet potato/yam addition
on 29 Jun 2009 at 8:17 pm15Danielle

That looks like an incredible ugly soup I love split pea soup but hate ham! So I’m always looking for a delicious vegetarian recipe, thank you dear.
on 29 Jun 2009 at 8:17 pm16K

That soup looks AMAZING!! Pink dresses suit us blondies very well! Glad Ryan got a ticket
on 29 Jun 2009 at 8:20 pm17Meghan@traveleatlove

What a smokin dress! I love dresses too, but the weather here has not been dress-friendly lately!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 8:41 pm18Ashley H

Okay seriously I just finished soaking some peas for pea soup! weird! I seriously have been reading your blog for tooo long haha
on 29 Jun 2009 at 8:42 pm19Jess

That dress is GORGEOUS! You look incredible in it, I’m sure. Pea-soup sounds good right now! Yours sounds delish!
<3 jess
xoxo
on 29 Jun 2009 at 8:46 pm20blueberrybabe

Jenna, (or anyone!)

What is the deal with all the negative talk about plastic water bottles? I am hearing more and more that I should get a stainless steel one… can someone tell me what the health problems/rumors are about plastic? Thanks so much!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 8:54 pm21Tay

OMG girlie, your dress is sooooooooooooo cute! I love it

I love pink as well And I love dresses!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 9:09 pm22Krissy - Single Serving

I love the addition of sweet potato in that soup! I will definitely give it a try.

PS – Love the dress. Perfect!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 9:11 pm23Rebecca Hoover

That dress is HOT. You’ll look beautiful. Of course, you would look beautiful in a gunny sack. And that stair master kicks my ass like nothing else.
on 29 Jun 2009 at 9:11 pm24kelly

Beautiful dress! I LOVE split pea soup – will add a sweet potato next time!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 9:14 pm25Matt

I actually really like split pea soup. I will have to try that recipe!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 9:15 pm26FitFoodie

VERY cute dress! My last trip I ended up buying 2 one ways too…it can save you alot last minute!

Great idea to put chips in your soup…looks awesome
on 29 Jun 2009 at 9:20 pm27Vanessa (Last Night's Leftovers)

Glad you were able to find a flight! That dress is gorgeous
on 29 Jun 2009 at 9:38 pm28Alison

I have looked and looked for a vegetarian split pea soup recipe that sounded appealing to me…. EUREKA this is finally it! Making this ASAP!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 9:41 pm29Melissa

OH MAN! Madison is only about 90 minutes away from me (I’m in Stevens Point, WI) and would LOVE to meet up but we’ll be out on the boat all day Saturday in central Wisconsin and I probably wouldn’t be able to make it in time on Sunday Darn! We’ll be in Wisconsin Dells Friday and could have came down but it sounds like that’s your day of travel I believe. Have fun – the campus in Madtown is GORGEOUS!!!!!!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 9:49 pm30Laura

The split pea soup looks delicious, Jenna! Do you prefer it to the recipe from Eat Drink & Be Vegan? I made that earlier in the year and thought it was very good, but yours certainly looks more simple to make! I thought I remembered you saying that the ED&BV one was the best recipe you’d tried, but do you prefer your own? Either way, I think I know what I’ll be doing with the big bag of green split peas in my pantry! Thanks for sharing it!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 9:50 pm31gina (fitnessista)

your dress is BEAUTIFUL! i live for pink
thanks so much for posting that recipe- it looks delicious
enjoy your night!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 10:09 pm32Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)

The soup looks great! I’ll have to make it one day!

I received a Bowls of Hope bowl, too! Here’s mine:

http://www.fabanddeliciousfood.com/?p=8132

I just love the bowl, and I love how Bowls of Hope is such a great program!

Have a good night!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 10:15 pm33chandra

I definitely don’t think you’re weird for making split pea soup right now… I just bought a can of Amy’s split pea over the weekend because I was really craving it!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 10:22 pm34MarathonVal

I LOVE split pea soup!!! I’m thinking of trying the raw diet for a while and I just got SO sad thinking about how I couldnt have it Maybe I can find a way to make it raw? Have a great night!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 10:24 pm35Johanna

mmm and you says you cant have split pea soup in the summer!?? LOve the bowl! AND LOVE YOUR NECKLACE. mustownonenow….
on 29 Jun 2009 at 10:25 pm36Lynn

LOVE that dress!!!
I get that way too with hunger… sometimes its not gradual its like intense all of a sudden!

That soup looks sooo good!! I love split pea but the fact that you put a sweet potato in there??!! yum!!!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 10:25 pm37Megan

I get that same way with going from zero to starving sometimes.. It actually happened yesterday.. I get the shakes, and cry… Its nuts and I totally can’t control it! I have to say I feel better now knowing some one else gets that way too!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 10:26 pm38Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope

I’m so glad you found a ticket for Ryan! You two are going to have a wonderful time!

LOVE that bowl Jenna. Too cute!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 10:33 pm39Tammy (Defining Wellness)

Hi Jenna . . . Yes, I have experienced that at the gym and my legs start shaking while I’m on the treadmill. I make sure to have a substantial enough snack before I go to hold me through. Today I had the perfect combo of a larabar and a yogurt (not Greek, cause I think that would be too much protein before a run) and I swear I had the best run!! I can’t wait to see your dress! It looks stunning!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 10:39 pm40Sara

LOVE the dress! It’s so cute!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 10:53 pm41Low

I just made some lentil soup, so I completely get it. I’ve never had slit pea soup before but I would love to try it!

The dress is stunning, you will look spectacular!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 11:11 pm42LK- Healthy Delcious

I love pea soup too! And i don’t think there’s anything wrong with eating it in the summer.

That bowl is too cute and I love the color of your dress. I love dresses too!
on 29 Jun 2009 at 11:15 pm43Tami

You are SO going to LOVE Madison! It’s a beautiful area~so full of culture and life. I wish I were going to be there this weekend, but we’ll be a little further north in Minnesota for the 4th. I would have loved to run with you this weekend. (Although I am currently working with a p/t regarding my own version of shin splints…orthotics are the next step.) Safe travels and have so much fun in that dress!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 12:05 am44Mrs. Myers @ Eat Move Write

The dress is cute, but look at that bod! You’ll have a great time, for sure. I have never had split pea soup, but I think that’s about to change. Thanks for the recipe!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 12:16 am45Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)

LOVEEEEE the pink dress!! SOOOOOOOOOOOO cute!

Mmm…soup! Never had split pea but may have to give it a try!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 12:36 am46sue

so in love with your dress!! i love any excuse to buy a dress too
on 30 Jun 2009 at 12:39 am47Joelle (Chasing Pavements)

That sudden hunger happens to me too, and then I’m ready to eat everything in sight! I’d be a bear if I didn’t haha… cute new bowl, ps!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 12:50 am48Jasmine (Sweet and Fit)

love the dress! it should be perfect for your garden wedding =)
on 30 Jun 2009 at 1:27 am49Sarah

Love the dress!

Soup is always okay–no matter what the temperature–in my book! Looks super yummy.
on 30 Jun 2009 at 5:50 am50Christie @ Find My Weigh

Love the dress!! So glad you were able to find a ticket for Ryan!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 6:26 am51Shannon (the daily balance)

The dress is beautiful and I’m sure you’ll look stunning! That’s great news that you were able to get a ticket for Ryan. Thanks for sharing the split pea soup – looks awesome! Any reason why you use dried peas? I’ve never made split pea soup, but I always thought it was made with fresh peas! Shoes how much I know!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 6:48 am52Susan

Oooh! I love the dress!!! I have a closet full of dresses I never wear too. I have a habit of buying ones that are just a touch too fancy for everyday wear. Glad you have an excuse to wear one of yours
on 30 Jun 2009 at 8:02 am53Melanie

I’ve never had split pea soup before, but I think I would like it. I love peas. It seems almost like a stew, though; it’s so thick! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 8:41 am54Stacy (Eating To Live Love Laugh Tri)

I love split pea soup. I have never made it with a sweet potato. I usually use regular potatoes and carrots. I am definitely going to have to give your recipe a try.
on 30 Jun 2009 at 8:59 am55Rachel

Ryan, my boyfriend, adds crispy baked or fried tempeh to our split pea soup – it makes it unbelievably fantastic! One of my favs for sure.
on 30 Jun 2009 at 9:08 am56Lauren

I love your dress!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 9:11 am57Heather

That dress is GORGEOUS Jenna! You are a gem.
on 30 Jun 2009 at 9:18 am58Victoria

Wow. That’s pretty impressive for a holiday weekend. Your dress looks gorgeous!!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 9:21 am59Ingrid

that dress is GORGEOUS!!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 9:32 am60Gillian

Yummmmmmm Split Pea soup!!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 9:41 am61Whitney

So glad you found Ryan a ticket! A dress like that needs a date to go with it!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 9:51 am62Graze With Me

I love that pea soup recipe, it sounds really good and comforting! That dress is beautiful, I need to buy more dresses – I guess the tomboy in me keeps me from going outside my boundaries.
on 30 Jun 2009 at 10:07 am63Madelin

Wow, your soup looks awesome! I will have to make it asap especially since it’s winter in Australia and totally freezing at the moment! Thanks Jenna
on 30 Jun 2009 at 10:15 am64kit

Stumbled across your blog…love it!
I too find a need for a dress more often than necessary! Love the pink one!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 10:17 am65saramariesue

Thanks for sharing your soup recipe! I love split pea soup, but have never tried making my own. Now I have dinner plans for next week!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 10:33 am66boopsygirl

Sometimes when i am working out I get insanely hungry as well and I feel like I might pass out if I dont eat RIGHT NOW. I think this happens when I dont eat enough before I go to the gym . Or maybe it is dehydration…
on 30 Jun 2009 at 11:41 am67Cuts and Curves

WOW! You look incredible in that dress! I have to admit… not so much a fan of pink, but you pull it off VERY nicely.
on 30 Jun 2009 at 1:07 pm68Emily (The Experimentarian)

oooh! That split pea soup looks to die! I can’t wait to try it!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 4:44 pm69Oh She Glows

Oh my gosh you are my dress sista! hehe…I too, LOVE dresses…my closet is full of them! And that hot pink dress is so gorgeous and unique looking!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 5:13 pm70Jess

I’m a soup a holic myself, so I totally understand. Thanks for the great recipe, Split pea is on of my faves, so I am looking forward to testing out your version!
on 30 Jun 2009 at 9:00 pm71postcollegecook

Hey Jenna – I live in Milwaukee, about an hour and a half from Madison. Would have loved to meet up for a TRAIL run (damn shin splints!) if we were a little closer. Madison is where I ran my first half marathon last year… there are lots of beautiful places to run! Enjoy.
on 01 Jul 2009 at 12:46 am72Liesl

That is so great you are going to be in Madison, you will absolutely love it!! Do not miss the Farmers Market it is incredible!! I am about 40 minutes north and would love to meet you that morning for a run, but the hubby and I are leaving that morning after church for a week up north with the fam on the lake….bummer! I have run the half marathon in Madison the last two years, and it’s so beautiful, enjoy!
Oh…and the pink dress looks amazing on you! Not just anyone could pull off that number!
on 01 Jul 2009 at 5:21 am73JEAN

Just found you website and love it! I joined your facebook fan page and sent the link to all my friends.
Comments:
First off – love your dress! The color is perfect and you are certain to stand out. Secondly – Thank you for the pea soup recipe. I live in Arizona and pea soup is perfectly acceptable in the summer heat
on 01 Jul 2009 at 8:54 am74Sarah

I love split pea soup and I love that I already have most of these ingredients, just have to get an onion and some split peas. Thanks!
on 01 Jul 2009 at 4:53 pm75Leanne

I would love to meet you for a run, what time/distance were you thinking?
on 01 Jul 2009 at 5:28 pm76jenna

Leanne,

3 miles at 7:30?
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