Ingredients

  • 1 lb split peas
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups diced carrots
  • 1 1/2 cups diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup parsley sprig
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 lb fully cooked smoked kielbasa, coarsely chopped in food processor
  • 1/2 teaspoon bitters

Method

  • preheat the oven to 350*.
  • rinse the split peas in cold water, then place in a large kettle with all the remaining ingredients except the sausage and bitters,.
  • bake, covered for 2 hours.
  • remove from oven and cool.
  • discard bay leaf and puree the soup in food processor, working in batches, until smooth.
  • return to kettle.
  • add the chopped sausage and bitters.
  • bake 30 minutes longer or until the sausage is heated thoroughly.