An outstanding savory soup that celebrates the Palouse, a region of beautifully rolling green hills on the borders Washington, Oregon and Idaho. A French word meaning green grass, the region was quickly settles in the 1880’s by wheat farmers. Today, the region’s farmers grow a wide diversity of grains and pulses including wheat, lentils, split peas, and barley, the components which are the base of this delicious soup.

Contents:  Lentils, split peas, barley, wheat berries, spices, salt, garlic powder, black, white, and jalapeno peppers.

Harvest On The Palouse lentil And Split Pea Soup

Ingredients to have on hand

1 lb. 90% lean ground beef

2 c. onions, coarsely chopped

1 medium carrot (2/3 c.) coarsely chopped

2 stalks celery w/leaves (1 c.), coarsely chopped

8 c. water

Lentil/grain mixture (included)

Contents of spice packet (included)

8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 medium Idaho Russet potato, leave skin on and cut into ½” cubes

1/3 c. dry red win

Sour cream – garnish

Directions

1)   Place the ground beef into a 6 qt. stock pot, over medium heat.  Break up and brown the beef for 5-7 minutes.  Add the veggies and sauté for 2 minutes.  Add the water, the lentil/grain mix and the spices.  Cover and bring soup to a boil.  Turn down to medium low and cook for 30 minutes.

2)   Add the mushrooms, potatoes, and wine.  Cover and return soup to a boil and immediately turn down to medium low and cook for additional 30 minutes.  Remove soup from heat.  Locate and discard bay leaves.

Vegetarian Version:  At step 1) Replace the beef with ¾ lb. of firm tofu that has been frozen, thawed and crumbled.  Sauté the veggies in 1 tbl. Canola oil.  Add the water, tofu, lentil/grain mix, spices and 2 Tbl. Of Worcestershire sauce.  Finish soup as stated in step 2.  Delicious!

Ladle this robust soup into large bowls topped with a large tablespoon of sour cream.  Serve with a fresh spinach salad, crusty French bread, and hazelnut toffee ice cream for dessert.

Serves 8-18.  Enjoy!

Contents:  Lentils, split peas, barley, wheat berries, spices, salt, garlic powder, black, white, and jalapeno peppers.