The Warmth of a Bowl of Split Pea Soup

Each year, the second week in November is designated as Split Pea Soup Week – and for a good reason.

Let us take a moment to review all the health benefits split peas have to offer. This legume is a nutrition-packed powerhouse! Split peas provide a whopping amount of heart healthy soluble fiber.  Did you know they are also one of the highest sources of vegetable protein?  Split peas are also a great source of vitamins A, B C, and K as well as folic acid and manganese and numerous amounts of other minerals. Split peas have a sweet taste complemented with a starchy texture and contain a unique array of phytonutrients. Polyphenol is one of these phytonutrients that has become a popular topic of study in the world of nutrition as it has been found to protect against stomach cancer.  The varieties of phytonutrients found in the split pea also contain antioxidants and key anti-inflammatory agents.

After reviewing the vast amount of health benefits, it almost seems silly not to celebrate this week! Browse the soup aisle of your local grocery store and see the different varieties and brands of split pea soup available. Remember to try to opt for the lower sodium options if they are available. If you want to get creative, there are many recipes you can find online that you can make in the comfort of your own home.

Split peas pair well with a wide variety of meat and other vegetables.  Split pea and squash soup just screams fall season to me!  Or what about creating a country-style split pea soup where you can incorporate celery, carrots, potatoes, onion, leeks and your favorite lean meat source into your soup?   You can even go international and create Mexican or Italian split pea selections! There are so many soul-soothing, unique, and fun recipes available for you to try.

This week, I encourage you to keep warm on those chilly November evenings with a large bowl of hearty split pea soup. And, don’t just stop there. Include split peas in a variety of ways throughout the winter months.

Your Turn to Take Action:  What is your split pea soup preference?

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