Lickety-Split Pea Soup

Directions

1. 1
   ADD split peas to 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth) in a soup pot; BRING to boiling at high heat. COVER; BOIL for 15 minutes on high heat, stirring occasionally; REDUCE heat to medium-low.
2. 2
   PEEL and divide one medium onion into quarters; PLACE onion quarters into the large bowl of a food processor and process until coarsely chopped; ADD onion to soup.
3. 3
   INTO the bowl of a large food processor while running, add one peeled large carrot; PROCESS just until finely chopped; ADD carrot to soup.
4. 4
   DICE celery to yield 1 cup; ADD celery to soup; FINELY chop and add 4-8 ounces cooked ham if desired (use food processor), or add 4-8 ounces chopped cooked bacon, if desired).
5. 5
   ADD the remaining soup ingredients EXCEPT lime juice (2 teaspoons granulated sugar, 1 1/4 teaspoons dried thyme, 1 teaspoon crushed dried mint, 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 large bay leaf); STIR well; COVER.
6. 6
   SIMMER soup for 45 minutes on medium-low, or until tender; REMOVE bay leaf and stir well.
7. 7
   STIR in lime juice and heat through (if not serving right away, keep soup covered and reduce heat to lowest setting, stirring as needed).
8. 8
   SEASON to taste with kosher salt.
9. 9
   POUR into bowls; GARNISH as desired or top with a few croutons if desired.
10. 10
    USE your fingers to eat soup, or slurp soup directly from the bowl (kidding!); ENJOY!