Vegetable Lentil Split Pea Soup

So, this is the kind of soup that requires a little effort. I am now the kind of person who keeps these sorts of ingredients on hand--- but--- only as of recently! It is kind of an undertaking if you need to buy every ingredient. The first time I made it, I didn't have the celery or herb de provence. I started the soup and ran to the store. At first, when I added the spice- I HATED IT and wanted to give away the whole batch. I felt like I wasted a lot of time and money! But then..... after the soup settled.... it was AMAZING and I couldn't eat enough of it.

Prep: takes a little effort
Time: eh you gotta do some vegetable chopping, and lentils take a while to soften
Taste: I LOVE IT
From: inspired by many internet searches for "lentil soup"
Note: the "herb de provence" is essential to the overall taste

Vegetable Lentil Split Pea Soup

1/2 onion, chopped
2 cups celery, diced
2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped
2 cups red potato, diced
2 cups butternut squash, diced
1 cup dry lentils
1 cup dry yellow split peas
8 cups veggie broth or water
2 teaspoons herb de provence
1 teaspoon salt
handful of kale, chopped very well

In large soup pot, sauté onion and celery in broth (or water) until a little brown. Add everything else. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer. Simmer for a long time- like, an hour. Check lentils and yellow split peas. It probably needs more simmering. Simmer on! ...until they are soft. Enjoy! YUM! This soup I felt was even better the next day (after cooling and the flavors meshed even more overnight).