Poor Man’s Pea Soup

From the kitchen of Peg Wentz, we offer the following recipe. Peg shares “this recipe is one my sister shared when I was in high school. It's called Poor Man's Pea soup, because it doesn't have the traditional ham in it. Amazingly, the addition of the bay leaf gives it a marvelous flavor. The note about adding carrots for color is from my Mom”.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups split peas

• 2 bay leaves

• salt and pepper

• 1 cup raw diced potatoes

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 2 Tablespoon butter or olive oil

• chopped carrots (optional)

Image of original recipe from Peg Wentz

Combine split peas with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Boil for a few minutes covered. Drain the split peas, reserving a cup of water.

To the split peas and water add salt to taste. Then ad the bay leaves and cook until soft.

Add the potatoes, onion, carrots (optional), butter or oil, and cook until the vegetables are done. Season to taste with salt and pepper.