Split Pea Soup

This is a great healthy soup. Something to warm you up on a cold snowy day.  Add ham to it if you would like.

SPLIT PEA SOUP

(serves 8-10)

Ingredients:

*1 (16 ounce) bag dried split peas, rinsed and any bad peas removed

*2 tablespoons vegetable oil

*3 medium carrots, chopped small

*3 celery stalks, chopped small

*1 medium onion, chopped

*3-4 small potatoes, diced small (about 1 cup)

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*8 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock to make it vegetarian)

*1 tablespoon dried parsley

*1/2 teaspoon dried basil

*1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 bay leaf 

*2 cups chopped ham (optional)

Directions:

~In a large dutch oven or stock pot,  heat up 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.

~Once oil is hot, add 3 medium chopped carrots, 3 chopped celery stalks, and 1 medium onion, cook for about 3 minutes stirring constantly.

~Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

~Add 2 cups rinsed peas (16 ounce bag) and 8 cups chicken stock.

~Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

~Cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring every once in a while.

~Add in 1 cup chopped potatoes (no need to peel), 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 bay leaf until well mixed.

~Cover and cook for another 1-2 hours, stirring once in a while (cook until potatoes and peas are tender).

~Add the 2 cups chopped ham for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.

~If you want the soup smooth, carefully put into a blender and blend until desired consistency.