Hearty Healthy Pea Soup, Vegetarian -- or Not

This is a very good satisfying split pea soup. I was surprised how good it is even without meat. You can add some ham or cooked chicken if you like. I like to precook the barley about 10 or 15 minutes first and then add as directions indicate. This is even better the 2nd. day. It's great for lunch or dinner. I hope you enjoy this one. I believe it came from Laurel's Kitchen. It has no meat in that one.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons  oil
• 1  teaspoon celery seed
• 1  bay leaf
• 1⁄2 cup barley
• 1⁄2 cup lima beans
• 1  cup  split peas
• 2  cups water
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1  carrot, diced
• 3  stalks celery, diced
• 1  potato, diced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
• 1⁄2 teaspoon basil
• 3⁄4 cup  black forest ham (optional) or 3⁄4 cup  cooked chicken, diced (optional)

Directions

1. Saute' oil, celery seed and bay leaf. Add barley, lima beans, split peas, and water. Cover partially and cook on low for 1 1/2 hours.
2. Add remaining ingredients and turn heat to very low and simmer 30 to 45 minutes longer. Keep an eye on it. You may need to add more water or stock. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.