What is the best recipe for pea soup?

Ingredients:

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 carrots, chopped

- 2 celery stalks, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed and sorted

- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 bay leaf

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/2 cup heavy cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

4. Add the split peas, chicken or vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the peas are tender.

6. Remove the bay leaf and discard.

7. Use an immersion blender or a blender to puree the soup until smooth.

8. Stir in the heavy cream, if desired, and serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade pea soup!