I get lots of dry good from the food bank, which works out okay because at least for now I have access to a stove. I was completely out of what I’d normally eat the other day so I threw together probably the simplest split pea soup possible.

Ingredients

• 16oz dry peas (I think that would be about 2 1/2 cups?)
• 8 cups water or broth
• literally any other vegetables and/or meats and/or protein you have to hand
• Spices to taste

Rinse the peas and pick out any stones. Put the peas and water in a big pot on the stove or over a fire, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about an hour and a half to two hours, stirring occasionally and being mindful of scorching the bottom of the pot.

Add any and all extras, including spices, after it’s done cooking.

I got away with adding a can of green beans and seasoning with salt, pepper, turmeric, paprika, and a few other random spices I had access to. Basil, parsley, and thyme also make for a pleasing combo.

16oz peas and 8 cups of water made about 4-5 days worth of lunch for me. This is a pretty basic meal, but it’s filling and hearty. Peas are high in protein and will carry you through times when you haven’t got much else.

Carrots and potatoes always go well in split pea soup, and if you add some meat on the bone at the start you can make it into a hearty broth as well.

Vegans I have known have added coconut milk for added body and flavor. If you add coconut milk and curry spices you’d end up with a pretty tasty curry-like dish that could also go really well with rice.