Hearty Vegan Pea Soup

I grew up in Quebec with French-Canadian ancestors, and pea soup was frequently served in our house. This version is a delightful variation, which is in my cookbook but modified slightly.

1½ cup split peas, picked over and rinsed

2 onions, chopped

2 stalks celery, diced

1 bunch broccoli stems, trimmed and coarsely chopped

3 carrots, diced

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

½ cup tahini

¼ cup tamari

In large pot, combine 6 cups water and split peas. Add vegetables and spices and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Immediately reduce heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 1½ hours or until peas are very soft.

Whisk 1 cup water, tahini and tamari until smooth. Stir tahini mixture into soup, and serve immediately.

Serves 8.

Adapted from a recipe in Diet for a New World, by John Robbins