Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

¾ cup uncooked orzo pasta

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped celery

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ cups chopped carrots

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 quart vegetable broth

1 cup dried split peas

1 teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon dried chipotle chile pepper

salt and pepper to taste

Bring a medium-size pot of salted water to a boil, add orzo and cook until al dente. Drain well.

In a large skillet, saute onion, celery, garlic, and carrots in olive oil for 5 minutes.

Place vegetables, vegetable broth, peas, thyme, chile pepper, salt and pepper in a pressure cooker. Cover. When pressure cooker reaches full pressure, cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the pressure cooker from the heat. Add cooked orzo and serve.

Note: If you would like creamier soup, puree soup in a food processor or blender. Add additional broth to bring the soup to the consistency you desire.