Vegetarian Split Pea And Lentil Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cups dried split peas or (1 lb) bag dried split peas
6 cups water or 6 cups vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon cumin
2 large onions, chopped
6 medium garlic cloves, sliced
5 stalks celery, chopped
4 medium carrots, sliced
1 sweet potato, diced
1 cup cooked lentils
salt
fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Preparation

Place first 7 ingredients in a large pot.
Bring to a boil and then simmer on low, partially covered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Saute in olive oil and then add onions, garlic, celery, carrots and potato.
Partially cover and allow to simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water as needed.
Blend until smooth with hand mixer.
Add lentils.
Season to taste with salt, pepper, and vinegar.