Hearty Homestyle Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Vegetable broth (6 cups)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
• Carrots (2, chopped)
• Onion (1, chopped)
• Dried split peas (2 cups, rinsed and drained)

Instructions

1. Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the rinsed split peas to the pot. Stir to combine with the vegetables.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
6. Let the soup simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the split peas are soft and the soup has thickened.
7. Remove from heat. Discard the bay leaf.
8. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender. Just be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to prevent steam build-up.
9. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
10. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a rich, creamy finish. Enjoy!