Thatbobbiegirl'S Better-Than-Campbells Green Pea Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

16 ounces split peas
3 quarts water
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 bay leaf
1 cup chopped celery
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced carrots
lemon juice (optional but recommended)

Preparation

Combine everything in a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid (use one that holds at least 6 quarts).
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until peas are tender and soup reaches desired thickness.
Puree in blender, or in the soup pot using a handheld stick blender (I love those things!) Re-heat if needed, over very low heat.
I have slow-cooked this in a crockpot, but was not happy with the results.
I did it just until the peas were done, but my husband and I agreed it tasted way overcooked, and even adding lemon juice didn't help much.
Stove-top cooking just until the peas are tender gives this a much fresher taste.
My family loves this served with freshly baked homemade bread and a tossed salad.
VEGETARIANS: As is, this is not vegetarian, you can make it so, by substituting salt or a vegetarian bouillon for the chicken bouillon.
LOW SALT DIETS: This is what I've done this for my mother in law who can't have salt: eliminate chicken bouillon, and add freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste.
Usually about one lemon does it, but it depends on the size of the lemon.
I recommend adding a bit of lemon if you're not salt-restricted, along with the bouillon- it's truly wonderful.