Because I Had the Thyme

Until I have time to write a whole post about one of my favorite meals, my "soup meal", here's my version of split pea soup.

I grew some herbs last year, but this year I didn't take the time, not even to grow basil, so when I put out the money to buy them (fresh herbs), I like to use them up! So, I had some fresh thyme, and since I make my split pea soup with water, I don't have to use my precious home made stock, I picked up a package of peas and a smoked turkey thigh at Whole Foods (only about $5.00 for a ton of meat!), and I almost always have the rest of the ingredients on hand so it's been one of my staple soups since the beginning.

I had beet greens that needed to be used up so I cut them across the width into strips, and when the soup was done I stirred them in after the heat was turned off, they wilt as easily as spinach, (another veg you could add).

Tracy's Smoked Turkey Thigh and Pea Soup with Beet Greens

Heat in lg soup pot,
olive oil (2 tbl.)

Add, diced
onion (2)
carrot (2)
celery (2-3)
cook for 5-8 min. ,

add minced or chopped
garlic (4-5 cloves)

cook additional 1-2 min., add 6-8 cups water and
16oz. pkg yellow peas
lg. smoked turkey thigh
thyme (whole sprigs, sm bunch)
parsley (chopped rough about 2 tbl.)

Bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer, cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours or until peas are soft. Add salt and plenty of pepper to season. Serve with lemon wedges.

Optional, stir in beet greens after heat is turned off.

I froze 1/2 of this soup, the rest is portioned out for lunches. I like to mix 1/2 pea soup with 1/2 veg soup for a thinner soup and more veggies!

More beet and beet green recipes and pics to come.

Life is good, fresh food is good.