Simple Pleasures on Chilly days

Rainy days are a great excuse to enjoy all of the little things we never seem to take the time to do. Nap, light a fire, cuddle up under a blanket, knit, bake, all of the indoor things that force us to relax. Sometimes I think that rainy days might be sent to us to force us to take a little break. What better day for me to start whipping out the recipes and trying some new things. In my early efforts to stick to a vegetarian lifestyle, I've spent the last few weeks reading recipes and trying new things. This seemed like the perfect day to try something new. Vegetarian Split Pea Soup won out as it seemed like the perfect day for it. Easy: YES, Delicious: YES, Quick: YES. It was a homerun so I'll share my version of it here. Enjoy!

1 T. olive oil
2 Large onions chopped up
3-4 garlic cloves
1/2 t. sea salt
1 bag of dried split peas
6 cups of water
3 knorr extra large vegetarian vegetable bouillon cubes
2 carrots chopped up
2 bay leaves
2 T Lemon juice
paprika to taste

Ok, so you add the oil to a large pot and set the heat on medium high. Add onions and sea salt. Saute a few minutes and add garlic. I actually left them as full cloves (skin removed of course). Saute until onions are soft. Add peas, carrots, water, bay leaves, and bouillon cubes. Bring to boil. Lower heat and let simmer for about 20-30 minutes until peas are cooked. Remove Bay leaves. Puree 1/2 the soup. Stir in the lemon juice. Add water to reach the consistency you like. Served topped with a dash of paprika.