Split Pea Soup with Sausage

This split pea soup is so delicious. I mean, seriously, lick-the-bowl, delicious. Just thinking about it makes me want to go to the store right now, at 10pm, and buy a bag of split peas so I can make it again!

Split peas are a great source of protein. Without the sausage, this would be a very healthy dish... but... split peas and pork go SO great together, like two "peas" in a pod. LOL, okay now for the recipe!!

Ingredients:
1 16-oz bag of dried split peas
1 19-oz package of Italian sausage links (I prefer sweet or mild over hot but any will do)
1/2 white or yellow onion, diced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp coarse ground pepper

1 tbsp Italian seasoning (I used Pampered Chef Herbs de Provence Seasoning Mix pictured to the right -- DELICIOUS -- but regular Italian seasoning will still be wonderful)
8 cups broth (see my tutorial for homemade chicken broth)





Instructions:
Rinse and sort the split peas and set aside.

Heat a grill pan or skillet on medium heat and brown the sausage links.

 Remove from heat, cool for a few minutes, and slice the sausages.

Melt some butter or heat some oil over medium-high heat in a stock pot and saute the garlic, onions, and yellow peppers. Add sausage slices, then seasonings.

 

 Let meld for 1 or 2 minutes then add the broth and split peas.

 Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 Taste for salt and pepper. Add more seasoning if needed.

 Serve and enjoy! I served mine with crescent rolls, zucchini sticks, and this delicious mashed butternut squash.

 MMMMMM!!!!!!! So yummy!!!!!!!