In a heavy pot saute the onions with 2 tbs oil until golden brown
add the split peas and water, cover and cook 15 min on medium heat
add rice and cook for another 15 min ( add water if level is too low) stir frequently
Add the remaining ingredients except garlic cover and, cook for 1/2 hour on medium-low heat
stir occasionally
just before serving  add 1tbs oil and  crushed garlic in small pan saute until golden and garnish on top of the soup and serve.
This is a thick soup and you can serve it with bread.
 
Alternatives: vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
quick oats instead of rice ,  add the oats the last 10 min
add 1/3 cup sugar and cook for 10 min if soup is too sour for your taste