Homemade Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chopped cooking onions
• 1-1/2 cups chopped fresh carrots
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1-1/3 cups dried yellow split peas, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 cups diced ham* optional. The soup is delicious with or without ham.

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add diced ham, onions, carrots, salt and pepper; cook, stirring, for 6 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are softened.
2. Stir in peas and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 35 to 40 minutes or until peas are very tender.
3. Transfer 1 cup of the soup solids to food processor. Add water and purée until smooth.
4. Return the purée to the soup pot and stir in half the parsley.
5. Simmer, stirring often, for 5 minutes to blend the flavors, thinning soup with water if it is too thick.
6. Serve sprinkled with the remaining parsley.