Split Peas Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 pound of split peas, rinsed
• 6 cups of chicken stock
• Smoked turkey or turkey bacon
• Spices: 2 tsp of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Instructions:

• Sauté: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped carrot, celery, and onion until softened. Add spices.
• Combine: Add the rinsed split peas, chicken stock, smoked turkey, and bay leaves.
• Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Cook: Reduce the heat, cover, and cook until the peas are tender, about 45 to 60 minutes, or until desired consistency. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving!
• Blend in hand blender or whatever you have