The Ultimate Detoxifying and Nourishing Split Pea Soup

The Ultimate Detoxifying and Nourishing Split Pea Soup

 

Well, it's wintertime here in Australia, so that can only mean one thing - SOUPS!

 

Winter is also a perfect time to cleanse our bodies and allow them to rest and detoxify.

 

Normally 'detox' soups tend to be very watery and bland, and although they're fantastic for cleansing the body, they often leave us hungry and unsatisfied. I wanted to create a simple recipe that would not only help to cleanse my body but would also be super nourishing (and tasty!)
 

 

Split peas are now one of my favourite staples to use in dishes, they are simple, cheap and OUR HORMONES LOVE THEM! Not only is this soup packed with spilt peas, but it's also packed with LOADS of other ingredients like hemp seeds that will help detox, cleanse and balance the body!

  

Split peas:

• They contain both soluble and insoluble fibre (about 65% of their weight!)
• Have loads of minerals, especially manganese and copper, which are key minerals involved in the natural detoxification process
• Are able to absorb old estrogen, cholesterol and other toxins AND prevent them from leaking into the bloodstream
• Contain Vitamin B1 and B9 (folate) which are responsible for energy production and cell regeneration
• They help to stabilise blood sugar levels
• They can nourish the microbiome and help with gut issues
• They can stimulate and strengthen the immune system

 

Hemp seeds

• Plant-based source of omega 3 & 6 in the right ratio
• Source of vitamin B1, magnesium, calcium and iron & zinc
• Source of protein
• Low carb
• Source of fibre
• Contains GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) which can help to reduce symptoms of hormonal imbalance

 

Hemp seed oil

• Plant-based source of omega 3 & 6 in the right ratio
• Contains GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) which can help to reduce symptoms of hormonal imbalance
• Can boost metabolism and immunity
• Helps to lower cholesterol and promote heart health
• 40% less saturated fat compared to olive oil

 

Parsley

• Source of vitamin K and vitamin C
• Helps to repair tissue
• Fights off free radicals
• Gives the immune system a good boost

 

Celery

• Protects the digestive tract
• Can help with heartburn and acid reflux
• Relieves bloating
• Helps the uptake of vitamin K (which helps to utilise calcium)

 

Lemon

• Aids weight loss
• Detoxifies the body
• Hydrates and clears skin
• Keeps breath fresh

 

Tumeric

• Powerful anti-inflammatory
• Boosts ability to heal
• May help fight cancer
• May help fight age-related disease and illness 

 

 

Ingredients

• 1&1/2 cup split peas
• 6 cups organic vegetable stock (more if needed)
• 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 medium potato, peeled and cut into chunks (this can be omitted if sticking to low carb or swapped for white sweet potato)
• 1 small bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped (save some to garnish)
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ lemon, juice only
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp hemp seed oil
• Hemp seeds -- to serve
• I can of organic coconut milk (optional) -- save some to serve

 

 

Instructions

1. In a medium soup pot add the olive oil, split peas, potato, onions, celery stalks, turmeric and chili flakes, and cook for five minutes over low heat.
2. Add the vegetable stock, turn the heat to medium and bring to boil.
3. Simmer for 40 minutes over low heat, then add the parsley and lemon juice and mix to combine.
4. Pop the lid back on, let it sit for another 30 mins or until the split peas are very well cooked and soft (if still not soft, put back on the stove to cook some more)
5. Add coconut milk and hemp seeds
6. For those who like a smooth creamy soup use a bar mix or blender to obtain creaminess. For those who like it chunky but still preserving some texture from the peas (like me!) I just do a few pulses with a bar mix or just use a hand masher to break up some of the chunks.
7. Divide into serving bowls, add a drizzle of coconut milk, and garnish with lemon zest, hemp seed and parsley (and another drizzle of hemp seed oil, if desired)
8. Serve warm

 

* Notes - Split peas can take a while to cook, so please take your time in making sure they are well cooked before consuming

- Unlike other dried beans, split peas do not require soaking before cooking. However, soaking split peas can help to reduce the amount of gas produced by dissolving the outer coating that contains the complex sugars

 

ENJOY

xxx

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