Green Velvet soup

* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 stalks celery, sliced
* 2 potatoes, diced
* 3/4 cup split peas, rinsed
* 2 bay leaves
* 6 cups water or vegetable stock
* 2 zucchini, diced
* 1 stalk broccoli, chopped
* 1 bunch spinach, chopped
* 1/2 teaspoon basil
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon salt (optional)

Place the onion, celery, potatoes, split peas, and bay leaves in a large pot with the water or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Remove the bay leaves.

Add the remaining ingredients with the exception of the salt.

Simmer for 20 minutes.

Transfer to a blender in several batches and puree until smooth.

Return to the pot, add salt to taste, and heat until steamed.

Number of Servings: 6

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user WANNABESINGER9.