Split Pea or Lentil Soup

• 4 -6 slices bacon, diced (I like thick country bacon)
• 1 lb dried split peas or 1 lb lentils
• 1 leek, finely chopped (make sure you wash leeks very well, or they can be gritty)
• 1 celery rib, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 1 turnip, diced
• 1 -2 garlic clove, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh thyme or 14 teaspoon dried thyme
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 -2 cup chopped cooked ham (optional) or 1 -2 cup hot dog, slices (optional)
• dry sherry (optional)
• mint leaf (optional)

1. Saute bacon until crisp.
2. Add leek, celery, and pepper to the bacon and drippings.
3. Saute until veges are limp.
4. Rinse peas or lentils.
5. Place in a deep, heavy dutch oven.
6. Add veges from pan also carrots, turnip, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and chicken broth.
7. Simmer slowly for 2 hours Add chopped ham if you have it and warm through.
8. Serve with 1-2 tbs.
9. dry sherry and mint leaves per bowl.

bacon, peas, well, celery, green pepper, carrots, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, chicken broth, ham, sherry, mint leaf

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/split-pea-or-lentil-soup-190577 (may not work)