parker's split pea soup

ingredients:

1 cup chopped yellow onions

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/8 cup good olive oil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups medium-diced carrots (3 to 4 carrots)

1 celery stalk

dash cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

1 pound dried split green peas

8 cups chicken stock or water

1/2 cup parsley

directions:

In a 4-quart stockpot on medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with the olive oil, oregano, cayenne pepper, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until the onions are translucent, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the carrots, celery, split peas, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Skim off the foam while cooking. Continue to simmer for another 40 minutes, or until all the peas are soft. Stir frequently to keep the solids from burning on the bottom. Taste for salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Adapted from www.foodnetwork.com