Yellow Pea and Bacon Soup

This is a savory, fast and easy soup. Sometimes simplicity is perfection. It's from Rozanne Gold, a favorite cookbook author. Cook time includes overnight soaking of dried peas.

• Ready In: 9 hrs 5 mins
• Yields: 4 1/2 cups soup

Ingredients

• 8  ounces  dried  yellow split peas
• 2  ounces  medium-size onions, peeled and cut into 8 wedges
• 4  slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 3  cups water
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
•  garnish of finely snipped fresh sage

Directions

1. Soak the peas overnight in water to cover by 2".
2. Next day fry bacon in a soup pot until fat begins to melt, 1-2 minutes; add the onions and saute over medium heat until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the drained peas and water and bring to a boil; cover, reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for 45 minutes.
4. In a blender, puree 1 cup of the soup and add it back to the soup pot with the salt; simmer another 5 minutes; add more water if soup is too thick; serve with a garnish of finely snipped sage.