Old-Fashioned Split Pea Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil (corn, canola, or olive)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, cut in half lengthwise and sliced 1/2 inch thick
1 rib celery, finely chopped
2 cups dried split peas, picked over and rinsed
4 cups defatted chicken broth or 4 cups vegetable broth, preferably homemade
2 cups cold water
salt
freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Heat the oil in a heavy 4-quart saucepan over med-high heat; add in the onion, carrots, and celery; cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, 2-3 minutes.
Add in the split peas, broth, and water; bring to a boil.
Partially cover pan, decrease heat to med-low, and simmer until the soup is thick, about 45 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
**You can add fresh herbs; fresh dill is recommended; also can add meat and ham bones to make it richer.