Split Pea Soup! YUM!!

Ever go to a restaurant, order Split Pea Soup, and wonder how they make it and why it's smooth? I did, and I found a great recipe, which I have tailored a bit. Here, I will share it with you:

INGREDIENTS
Light olive oil (enough to cover bottom of a large pot)
2 medium-large onions
1 bag (16 oz) baby carrots
1 bunch celery (use all but the middle stalks, and be sure to cut off both ends)
1 cup yellow split peas
1 cup green split peas
8 cups water

DIRECTIONS
throw all the veggies in the food processor. Process well.
In a large pot, over medium heat, heat olive oil. Cook onion, carrot, celery for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in yellow and green split peas, and water. Season with some pareve chicken soup mix (if you want a meat soup, use 8 cups chicken broth instead), salt (go easy on the salt - you can always add some later), pepper, Mrs. Dash (or any salt-substitute seasoning), garlic powder, and a sprinkling of basil. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 2 1/2 hours, stirring frequently. Puree until smooth in food processor. Return to pot, heat through, and serve.

You are going to love this!!