Meatless Monday with Real French-Canadian Pea Soup

Do you think that classic Canadian fare is back bacon, poutine and fried dough A.K.A a beaver tail? That is not the case. A perfect Meatless Monday meal for the next rainy summer day, when your craving some warming comfort food is a French-Canadian Pea Soup. Traditionally this is made with meat, but this is a vegan version of the classic fare and peas are so good for you. The recipe comes by way of the International Vegetarian Union and was give by a contributor who says the recipe dates back at least to their great, great grandmother. 

Ingredients
• 2 cups yellow split peas
• 5 cups water
• 2 small carrots, grated
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil or other light tasting oil or butter
• 1 1/2 cups soymilk
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions
Put peas in large pot, and wash/rinse with water.  Add the 5 cups of water, and bring to a rolling boil. Leave boil 5 minutes, turn heat off and cover for an hour. Add the carrots, onions, and half of the oil. Bring back to a boil, cover, then leave to simmer for an hour (or until the onions are translucent). If a creamier, thicker consistency is desired, leave to cook longer. Add the remaining oil, soy milk and spices.

This recipe yields six portions and can be adjusted to feed a crowd. Not only is this a delicious meal; but it is also a very healthy, fast and easy dish to make. This is a perfect main course if accompanied by some crusty bread and a salad. The pea soup is also a great first course for a more elaborate vegetarian meal, or any dinner party for that matter. This is a fabulous satisfying dish that will please any palate and it’s Canadian to boot.  It does not get any better than that, eh? Enjoy!