Keeping Warm - Potato Split Pea Soup
Healthy Tips from Dr. Mom:
How much do you think what you are eating plays a role in how you are feeling emotionally? In yoga, people's behavior is categorized into three categories: Satvik, Rajasik, and Tamasik.
Satvik foods such as ghee, legumes, and vegetables are thought to invoke pure and humane thoughts.
Rajasik foods such as meat, eggs, and spices can create aggression and desire for power.
Tamasik foods such as garlic and pickles lead to darkness of mind and sluggishness.
When I was going through a difficult time, due to the loss of my mother, my friend invited me to join her spiritual group. This was a potluck group that met every week where everyone brought a Satvik dish to share. I am not sure if it was being in the company of these people, the spiritual contemplation, or the calming food we shared but I definitely felt very relaxed after these meetings. I am still reminded of them whenever I make this soup as the inspiration came from this group.
As an added bonus, during cold winter months in Michigan, this simple soup always brings my family warmth. I hope it does the same for yours!
Potato Split Pea Soup
Total Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup dry split peas, washed & drained
2 cups water
1 medium potato, diced
1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon ghee
Optional: coriander leaves or cilantro leaves to garnish
Directions:
Pressure cook split peas, 1 cup water, and the diced potato. Cook for 5 whistles.
Allow pressure cooker to de-pressurize and cool.
Remove dish from pressure cooker and blend mixture (I use an immersion blender).
Once smooth, place the dish back on the stove over medium heat. Add salt, black pepper, and ghee and stir mixture.
Add another glass of water (or more based on desired consistency) and bring to a bubble, stirring occasionally to prevent from sticking to the bottom.
Garnish with cilantro or coriander leaves and serve hot with rice, pita, or toast.