1 MED ONION
3-4 STALKS CELERY
4-5 CARROTS
1 CLOVE GARLIC
2 LEAVES FRESH basil (1 teaspoon dried is fine)
4-6 WHITE ROSE POTATOES
3 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL
2-4 CUPS DRIED SPLIT PEAS
SALT TO TASTE
VEGETARIAN VEGETABLE BROTH
Finely chop onion, celery, and garlic. In LARGE pot, add olive oil and saute onion over med heat for about 5 min. then add celery and garlic. Continue to saute for another 10-15 minutes or so, while you peel and chop your carrots into bite-size pieces. Add carrots to the onion and celery, along with enough water to cover all ingredients. Add basil and veggie broth ( I use Knorr brand veggie broth, it comes in double size cubes of which I use about three to five depending on how much soup I am making. Cover and simmer on med-low heat while you peel and cube your potatoes into bite size pieces. Add potatoes to veggies and cover with water, plus enough to bring the water level about 4 inches above the vegetables. Cover and simmer until all the veggies are soft. Next, using a strainer and ladel, scoop the stock from the vegetable mixture through a strainer into a med-large pan and put your peas into it. Cover and cook until the peas are VERY soft. You then need to blend the split-pea mixture,using a blender-I prefer a hand blender so I can blend it right in the same pan. Blend until very smooth and add to the vegetables. Now just season to taste... ENJOY!!!!