Gut instinct. Listen to your gut. What does your gut tell you?
In the 1970s through to the 1980s, studies on the connection between diet and depression were being conducted. But they were discontinued due to underfunding, as is so often the case when it comes to nutrition research. Recent studies have again been conducted to determine what the connection is between our brain and our gut, and how it affects our health overall. It is not surprising that the results show that the relationship is a symbiotic one, each relying on the other for wellness.
That’s why it is essential that we feed our gut a balanced and nutrient-dense diet in order to nourish our brains so we can enjoy this thing we call life. So the next time you are deciding what you are going to eat, maybe go with your “gut feeling.” Eat well. Live better. This pea soup is a stick-to-your-ribs kind of dish that will warm you up on a cool spring day. It is made using the latest and greatest (it really is great) small kitchen appliance, the Instant Pot. If you don’t have one I suggest you run to your nearest store and pick one up. You can thank me later.
PORK AND PEA SOUP SERVES: 8
PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 35 MINUTES
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 large carrots, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
2 cups split green peas
4 cups chicken broth
4 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Leftover Kalua Pig or Ham
DIRECTIONS:
• Turn your Instant Pot on and press the Saute button.
• Add the avocado oil and heat.
• Add the chopped onions to the oil and stir to cook until soft, about 2 minutes.
• While the onion is cooking, chop the celery and carrots.
• Add to the pot with onion and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Push “cancel” on the Instant Pot.
• Add peas, chicken broth, water, bay leaf and salt and pepper.
• Put the lid in place, making sure the vent is turned to “Pressure.”
• Push the manual button. Set the cooker on “High” and adjust time for 17 minutes.
• Grab a cup of tea, that book you’ve been wanting to read and relax for the next 30 minutes.
• Once the Instant Pot is finished cooking, push “manual/cancel” to shut it off.
• At this point, you can either wait for the IP to release pressure naturally or if you just can’t wait, give it five minutes and then manually release the pressure.
• Take the lid off, throw in your Kalua Pork or ham, stir, replace the lid and let stand for 5 minutes.
Bon Appetit!
