Split Pea Soup

It is definitely Soup Season!  I just happened to have all the ingredients for Split Peas Soup and it sounded really good, so I made a big pot.  This recipe makes a big pot full, so I'll have a warm hearty inexpensive lunch tomorrow.....all the flavors will get a chance to blossom, it will taste even better!

Split Pea Soup

2 Cups Dried Spit Peas
10-12 Cups water
4 Bay Leaves, divided
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tbs Olive Oil
1 Large Yellow Onion,chopped
1 Cup Carrots, chopped
1 Cup Celery, chopped
3 Cups Chicken Broth
5 Cups Water
1/2 Tsp Thyme, dried
Salt/Pepper to taste
Option: you can also add a cup or two of diced ham or cooked chicken the last 1/2 hour of cooking

In a large pot add dried peas, 10-12 cups water, 2 bay leaves and 1 Tsp Salt.  Bring to a boil.  Turn heat to medium and let cook for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in  large skillet heat Olive Oil on medium.   Add Carrots, Onions, Celery and Thyme, saute until the onions are translucent, set aside.
Drain water from Peas then add Chicken Broth, 5 cups Water, 2 more Bay Leaves, Thyme and sauteed vegetables.  Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and let simmer for 1 1/2- 2 hours.  Season with Salt & Pepper.

Boil the peas

Chop the Veggies

Saute Veggies

 

Add Veggies and Broth water to drained peas

Let it cook!