Winter Warmer Soup

Is the winter getting to you? Feeling cold and looking for comfort? This soup is the perfect comfort food! Go on, put on your fuzzy slippers, and get cozy with this filling and nutritious soup!

This soup graces our table almost once a week. It's the perfect way to get those veggies in. Split peas and lentils provide a good source of protein and fiber. It freezes well so you can portion it to fit your needs. In my family, there are rarely leftovers to freeze!

Ingredients:

1 onion coarsely chopped

4 carrots peeled and coarsely chopped

1 sweet potato peeled and coarsely chopped

1 butternut squash peeled and coarsely chopped (1 bag of frozen butternut squash can be substituted)

1 cup of yellow split peas

2 cups of red lentils

10 cups of water

2 tablespoons of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Place all ingredients in a large stockpot. Bring to a rapid boil. Turn flame down and allow to simmer for 1 hour. Puree the contents of the pot with an immersion blender. Puree the soup until desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you have a bit more time: Sauté onions in 1 tablespoon of oil. Substitute the garlic powder for 1 tablespoon of fresh crushed garlic. Once the onions are translucent, add the remaining vegetables, water or vegetable stock, and seasoning.