If you like the traditional ‘Canadian Pea Soup’, then give this a try.  Some people avoid this wonderfully nutritious and delicious soup because they think it’s boring and bland, but it doesn’t have to be!  It helps to have good, home-made stock available for this, but it is equally good using boullion cubes or packaged stock.  This is traditionally made with ham stock, but I’ve found turkey stock to be our favourite.  I also use either chicken or vegetable stock, depending on what is available.  Any combination works well, depending on your tastes. 

In large pot, heat on medium –
2 T. oil

Saute for 2-3 minutes (do not brown)
1 onion, diced
1 stock celery, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
1 potato, diced
1 slice bacon or 1/4 cup ham, diced

Add:
4 cups stock: turkey, ham, chicken or vegetable stock (or combination)
1 cup dried yellow or green split peas, rinsed
1 bay leaf
1 t. coarse ground pepper
1 T. parsley (1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, if available)
~ 1 t. salt  (to taste – depends on saltiness of stock)

Simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring regularly to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
When the peas and vegetables are tender, it’s ready to be pureed. 

Let cool enough to handle, and in a blender puree 1/2 the soup, then add it back to the pot.  Stir well, heat and it’s ready to serve! 

Serve with fresh biscuits or cornbread.

Enjoy!