Spicy Sloppy Split Peas

• 1 large onion, diced
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2T oil
• 2-3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup yellow split peas
• 1/2t paprika
• 1t cumin
• 1t granulated garlic
• 1t Italian seasoning
• 1/2t chipotle chili powder or hot chili powder
• dash of cayenne
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup mild salsa or crushed tomatoes
• 2T nutritional yeast
• 2T fine cornmeal (not polenta or grits)
• 1T tomato paste or tomato ketchup

In a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat the oil and then add in the onions and peppers and sautee for 5-7 minutes until softened and getting a little color.  Add in the paprika, cumin, garlic, Italian seasoning, cayenne and chipotle chili powder and stir to coat.  Stir in the first two cups vegetable broth, tomatoes and split peas and bring to a boil; turn down and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until the split peas have started to soften some. Add additional broth if the split pea mixture begins to look dry.  Sprinkle over the nutritional yeast and cornmeal and stir in to thicken the dish; the split pea mixture should come together well if it still seems too wet to put on a bun you can add more cornmeal.  Serve on buns, bread, over rice or pasta!