Split Pea and Sausage Soup

A hearty winter soup that can take the place of a main meal.

Ingredients

• 500m Polish sausage (use chorizo sausage for a more spicy flavour)
• 500g dried split peas
• 6 cups water
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 2 bay leaves

Directions

1. Cut sausage in half lengthwise; cut into bite-sized pieces. Place in a Dutch oven or soup pot.

2. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until peas are tender. Remove bay leaves before serving.