Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

•2 large onions, chopped

•1 tablespoon cooking oil

•1 teaspoon salt

•2 cups dried split peas, green or yellow, rinsed

•5 cups vegetable broth, plus more if needed

•½ oz lemon juice

1. Add the oil to a big pot over medium high heat. Stir in onions and salt and cook until the onions soften, just a minute or two. Add the split peas and broth.

2. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the peas are cooked through but still a little `al dente` Stir in the lemon juice. The soup may need more salt but be careful not to over-salt.

3. At this stage, if desired, use a hand mixer or potato masher to make a more `textured` soup, but his is by no means required

4. The soup can also be `finished` with smoked paprika, olive oil, toasted almonds and/or scallions.

5. Liquid Smoke can also be added, but very little: ⅛ teaspoon at most