Split Pea Soup

Oh I love split pea soup! It is SO hard to find in supermarkets without that ubiquitous ham.  But after trying a few online recipes and adjusting to my tastes, I think I've got a winner:

1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 potato, diced
salt and pepper to taste
1 bay leaf (optional)
2 cups dried split green peas, picked over and rinsed
5 cups stock (I used one cube of veggie stock, one of chicken-flavoured)

a few pinches of smoked paprika added during simmering and nice on top as garnish :)

Add olive oil to a big pot over med-high heat. Stir in onions and salt and cook until the onions soften, just a minute or two. Add carrots, celery and potato and stir another few minutes. Add the split peas and water. Bring to a boil, dial down the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the peas are cooked through but still al dente. Using a large cup or ladle, scoop out 2/3 to 3/4 of the soup into a blender and puree. Return the pureed soup to the pot to reheat - you should have a soup that is nicely textured. Smooth, yet with veg chunks. Continue to season with salt and pepper to taste. Serving with drizzled olive oil on top and extra paprika is optional :)  We like to eat this with homemade pita chips. Just cut into triangles, brush with oil, add salt and bake to desired crispness. Enjoy!