While most of us are familiar with split pea soup, there is a lot behind of history with those little peas. Did you know that dried peas have been a staple of the human diet since prehistoric times? Found in archeological digs in Egypt, Asia, and Rome. History aside, those little dried peas carry a lot of punch.
How is it going with the New Years Resolutions? Have some peas; they are chocked full of fiber and goodness.
Full of soluble fiber, peas help to bind up cholesterol-containing bile and move it out of your body. This can help with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis. A single cup of cooked dried peas in your daily diet provides 65.1% of the recommended daily fiber. They also provide a good amount of protein, two B-vitamins, and several important minerals. Peas also include isoflavones, which are helpful in reducing the risk of breast and prostate cancer.
If you are diabetic, or have it in your family, split peas can be your best friend. Peas help stabilize your blood sugar levels while providing a steady supply of energy. Studies have shown that type 2 diabetics who eat at least 50 grams of fiber per day can lower their cholesterol, their triglycerides, and the VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoprotein) by a considerable amount.
Peas, a heart healthy food, can also reduce the amount of plaque in your blood vessels and help your heart remain healthy. The mineral molybdenum will help you detoxify from eating many processed foods (i.e. deli meats). Peas can provide you with almost twice the recommended daily allowance of this mineral from a single 1-cup serving.
How to Enjoy Split Peas
Split peas come in two varieties: green and yellow. Both can be used for most recipes interchangeably. The most common way Americans eat split peas is soup.
Nancy‘s Winter Pea Soup Recipe – Gluten Free!
2 cups Dry Split Peas
12 cups Water
1 Ham Bone with some meat on it
1 cup Onion, chopped
1/2 cup Celery, chopped
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Pepper
1/2 to 2 cup chopped Carrots (we love lots of carrots)
My Bad: Chopped chorizo and swirl in Greek yogurt to complete- ok I do add a splash of sherry and hot pepper flakes…
Preparation: In a large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven, combine all ingredients except carrots.
Bring to a boil, cover and simmer until peas are tender, about 2 hours. Add carrots in 2nd hour and cook until tender. . Remove ham bone, cut off meat and dice finely. Return meat to soup and reheat. Add broth or water if soup gets too thick, stir. A simple, but tasty mug of goodness.
What else beside pea soup – try Whisk and Spoon appetizing split pea samosas! Made with local ingredients and baked in the oven for 15 minutes – healthy and delicious. We are serving up a gluten free version later this year.
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