Vegetarian Split Pea Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
7 cups water or 7 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
6 carrots, diced
3 celery ribs, diced
2 teaspoons cumin
1 bay leaf
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation

Place split peas in heavy large saucepan; add enough cold water to cover and let soak 15 minutes.
Drain peas and return to same pan.
Add 7 cups water or vegetable broth and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes.
Heat oil in large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onion and saute until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Add garlic and saute 3 minutes.
Add onion mixture,carrots and celery ( and potato if using) to peas; mix in cumin and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Simmer until peas and vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
(Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm before serving, thinning with water if necessary.).
Ladle soup into bowls and serve.