Soup for Healthy Bones and Teeth

To experience optimal health, including flexible and healthy bones and teeth, it's vital that you eat plenty of green plant foods on a regular basis. And ounce for ounce, few green plant foods are more nutrient-rich than green peas.

Green peas are naturally abundant in folate, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, carotenoids, tryptophan, vitamin K, manganese, healthy protein, and a number of other health-promoting nutrients.

Enjoy the many health benefits of eating green peas with the following recipe for Green Pea and Chickpea Soup - it's exceptionally nutrient-dense and calls for highly affordable ingredients.

Makes about 4 large or 6 small servings

Ingredients:

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 cups frozen or fresh shelled green peas
1 yellow onion, roughly chopped
2 ribs celery, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Sea salt and pepper
2.5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Handful chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional for garnish)
Extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. In a large soup pot, cook onion, garlic, and celery with a couple of tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over low to medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are soft. Stir occasionally.

2. Add chickpeas, peas, and broth, and bring to a boil over medium to medium-high heat.

3. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until chickpeas and peas are tender.

4. Use a hand-held blender to partially blend ingredients in the pot. If you prefer smooth soups, blend everything until well homogenized. If you like texture to your soups, just blend for about 5-10 seconds, which should allow some of the peas and chickpeas to remain intact.

If you don't have a hand-held blender, blend small portions in a regular blender or food processor; then transfer back to the pot.

5. Season with sea salt and pepper.

6. If you have fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on hand, sprinkle a tablespoon over each bowl before serving.

Enjoy this nourishing, protein-rich soup on its own, with a heel of your favorite crusty bread, or any grain dish.

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Green Pea and Chickpea Soup Recipe