Split Pea Soup

This recipe is very similar to my Grandmothers– hers did have pork fat and ham hocks. The smoky flavor comes from sweating down the onions for a good 10 minutes. I enjoy this recipe because it makes enough to feed a small army. I will eat it for 2-3 days and freeze several more meals worth. The total cost to make this is under $7.00- that averages out to $.50 per serving. Best and yummiest bargain in town.

Ingredients

• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 1 head celery with leafy tops chopped
• 2 cups dried split peas, checked carefully for debris and rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 cubes "chicken" flavored cubes
• 3 large bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup Italian Parsley roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup of olive oil

Method