Yellow Split Pea Veg Soup

Makes about 8 cups.

Ingredients:

Split Peas:

• 1 c dry yellow split peas
• 3 c water

Soup Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 4 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, chopped
• 3 c water
• 1 c tomato juice
• 1/2 c parsley, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp basil
• 1 tsp salt

Directions:

Split Peas:

1. Wash and sort the split peas.
2. Place them in a large pot with the 3 cups water. Bring to boil on medium high heat.
3. Reduce heat and simmer about 30 minutes, or until tender, but not mushy.
4. Drain, reserving cooking liquid. Set aside.

Soup Directions:

1. In a large, heavy pot over medium low, heat the olive oil. Add onions, celery and carrots. Saute 5 minutes.
2. Add cooked yellow split peas with one cup of their reserved cooking liquid.
3. Stir in the 3 cups water, the tomato juice, parsley, bay leaf, thyme, basil and salt. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer 20 minutes. Serve hot.