Split Pea Soup

Ingredients
2 tbs olive oil
1 medium- size onion, chopped
1 medium-size carrot, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
6 cups vegetable stock or water
1 small all-purpose potato, peeled and diced (i put a few potatoes)
1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and picked over
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon of salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
SPLASH of Liquid Smoke
soy bacon bits for garnish

Directions
1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add the onion, carrot, and celery, cover, and cook, stirring a few times, until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the stock, potato, split peas, bay leaf, salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the vegetables are soft and the soup has thickened about 45-60 minutes.  If the consistency becomes too thick, add more water.

2.  Stir in the liquid smoke, if using, and taste to adjust seasonings.  Remove and discard the bay leaf.

3.  To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with soy bacon bits, if using.

Thanks to Serina Junaid