Vegan, Gluten Free Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium sweet onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 bay leaf 2 cups dried split peas 1/4 cup quinoa 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or more to taste 7 1/2 cups water 3 carrots, peeled & chopped 3 potatoes, peeled & diced 3 stalks celery, chopped 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/2 teaspoon each, dried basil, dried thyme, ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium high heat, saute the oil, onion, bay leaf and garlic for 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Add the peas, quinoa, salt and water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, parsley, basil, thyme and ground black pepper. Simmer for at least another hour, or until the peas and vegetables are tender. Add 1/2 more water if soup begins to dry out.
3. Using a stick blender, blender or food processor, puree soup until it reaches desired consistency. Season with additional salt to taste.
4. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil & dash of smoked paprika if desired.