Green Split Pea and Barley Soup

Ingredients

2 cups green split peas, rinsed and drained
3 carrots, chopped
3 or 4 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
12 cups water, chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup pearl barley, rinsed and drained
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cloves crushed garlic, if desired
2 tsp. canola oil
2 medium onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

Directions

In a large soup pot, combine split peas, carrots,
celery and 1 onion with water.

Bring to a boil. Stir in barley, bay leaf and garlic, if using.
Reduce heat and simmer partly covered for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Stir occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste.
In a nonstick skillet, heat oil.
Saute the remaining 2 onions on medium heat until well-browned,
about 6 to 8 minutes. Add onions to soup along with dill.
Simmer soup 5 to 10 minutes longer. Discard bay leaf.