Thick and Hearty Split Pea Soup + Eternal Sunshine OST = putting back that something you missed

PLAY VIDEO ABOVE BEFORE READING

(now let's kick off)

Its wintery cold in NYC and we had a bout of snow that made me want a piece of home. whatever that means.
for some its a place. for me its a memory- memories of comfort and peace of mind. old and new.

Jon Brion hits it on the head for me in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. wandering but not lost. lingering but not sad. some chunks are saturated  and others are fading till you catch them again. repetitive but never really gets old..and even when it does, you still wanna have the memory there to dust off, and sigh a smile about later....
you know..like when its lip chapped cold out, and the wind makes you curse all kinds of wrong, and want nothing more than to pour in what you feel like the elements have stripped from you. I give you, 'comfort' via soup.

Thick and Hearty Split Pea Soup
(compliments to Susan V.)

my version after making it 10 times the way my friends,
roommate and I like it:

1 onion chopped
3 cloves garlic chopped 
2 large carrots washed and chopped

2 stalks celery washed and chopped (optional)

1 potato peeled and chopped

1 1/2 c. green split peas, rinsed

4 c. water

3 Tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

*oregano or thyme if you like. perhaps I can steer you away.

don't over add to a good thing. cheapens it..or, just ruins the taste.

-In a pot, warm oil then add garlic and onions.

-stir on med heat till translucent. about 5 min.

-add carrots, potatoes, split peas and 4 c. of water.

-stir to mix. add salt and pepper before the blending takes place.

- bring it to boil, cover and cook on low heat till split peas disintegrate. about 45 min.

(I'd suggest getting up from whatever you'll be doing to stir it halfway through. I know, a little less involvement would be nice but a minute to stir will be worth it.)
- after peas disintegrate, test consistency to your liking. stir uncovered on higher heat to thicken or stir and add water to thin.

- serve hot, in bowl, with spoon, to soup lover.

I like to eat a big ol' bowl of this with asiago cheese on top, while dipping pita chips in it.

but it really does hold up on its own too. rustic, warming, deliciousness.