Instructions: This takes about 2 minutes to put together, followed by long, slow simmering - 1 1/2 hours - to produce a thick, filling, and very nutritious soup. Serve it with some bread or salad sandwiches for a cheap, easy lunch or supper. The texture is fairly smooth so its ideal for babies and toddlers, and very popular with them (but leave the raw onion topping off their portion).

1 1/2 cups yellow split peas
1 large onion, sliced
olive oil
salt and pepper
juice of 1 lemon
1 red onion, chopped (optional)

Put the split peas into a large saucepan with the onion, 5 quarts water, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bring to a boil, then skim off the froth. Let simmer gently, uncovered, for 1 1/2 hours, stirring from time to time towards the end to prevent it sticking. It will be thick, fairly smooth, and creamy-looking. Season with plenty of salt and pepper and add the lemon juice, a bit at a time, until it tastes right: I generally find it will take the whole lot. Top each portion with a little olive oil and some chopped red onion if you wish.

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