Home 

Back to Some Family Recipes

3 cups dried split peas
12 cups water (plus 2-4 more cups later as needed)
1 TBS chopped garlic
1 very large onion - chopped
4 large carrots - peeled and sliced
6 stalks celery (with a few leaves) - sliced except keep two large chunks (about 3" each)
8 whole cloves - poke four into each of the celery chunks (this is so you can remove them easily later before serving)
1 tsp. salt (may want to add more later)
l/2 tsp. pepper (may want to add more later)
1 l/2 tsp. cumin (may want to add more later)
1 l/2 tsp. curry powder (may want to add more later)

Mix all ingredients and simmer for about two hours - until peas are soft - stir often and add water as needed near end of cooking. Remove the cloves. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Serve as is - don't bother to strain, puree, etc.

Variations: Add one or more of - chopped potatoes, a can of chopped tomatoes, some chopped spinach, a chopped apple, some hot sauce, some Worcestershire sauce, or whatever . . . .