Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup

My husband found this in one of our neighborhood papers and asked me if we could try it. All I can say is this was yummy, and has moved into the true conferred food corner of my hart.

• Ready In: 1 hr 21 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  cups onions, diced
• 1  cup celery, diced
• 1  cup carrot, diced
• 3  cups sweet potatoes, diced
• 4  garlic cloves, chopped
• 1  teaspoon pepper
• 1  teaspoon oregano
• 1  teaspoon thyme
• 1  teaspoon paprika
• 1  lb  yellow split peas
• 5  cups  vegetable stock
• 5  cups water
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable bouillon
• 3  bay leaves

Directions

1. In large pot over low heat, add oil, onion, celery, carrot, sweet potatoes, garlic, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika, stirring to combine. Cook 5-10 minutes till onions, and celery start to soften.
2. Add split peas, stock, water, bouillon, bay leaves, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 60 minutes.
4. At this point you can serve it as is for chunky soup or puree it in batches for a creamer soup.