Split pea is one of my families favorite soup. It also happens to be really easy to make and really inexpensive. Split peas are only about $1.00 per bag. I usually double the recipe so I have lots of leftovers for lunch the next day. You can leave the soup chunky or blend it to make it creamy. This soup can also be made in the crock pot. Just throw in all the ingredients and let it cook on low all day.
Split Pea Soup
1 lb bag of split peas washed
2 TBSP olive oil or canola oil
1 medium diced diced
2 large carrots diced
2 stalks of celery diced
2 cloves of garlic minced
6 cups of vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
2 tsp dried thyme
salt and pepper to taste
For a smokey flavor: 1/2 tsp liquid smoke or chipolte tabasco to taste (optional)
Stove top method: Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic to the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add in all the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the soup for 45 minutes -1 hour. Remove from the heat and blend for a smooth and creamy soup or leave chunky.
Crock pot method: Add all the ingredients to the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.