Dutch Green Split Pea Soup

Yield: 8 Servings

INGREDIENTS:

8 oz. Canadian bacon

8 cups water, divided

6 oz. sorted uncooked green split peas, rinsed

1-1/2 lb. potatoes, peeled and diced

4 cups chopped leeks

1/2 cup chopped celery leaves

1 lb. kielbasa, chopped

1/2 tsp basil or thyme (or other spice you prefer)

1/4 tsp black pepper

salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Cut Canadian bacon into small pieces and set aside. In large pot bring 4 cups of water to a boil; add peas and boil for three minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 1 hour.

Add remaining 4 cups of water and the bacon to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, partially cover, and let simmer for 1 hour. Add potatoes, leeks and celery leaves and cook until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.

Add kielbasa, spices and pepper and cook until kielbasa is heated through.

Note: this soup can be made without the meat (adjust spices accordingly) or with the substitution of hot dogs, turkey kielbasa or sausage for the kielbasa.