CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN'S DAKOTA SMASHED PEA & BARLEY SOUP

Steps:

• Rinse and sort the split peas.
• Add them to a large pot with 6 cups of water, chicken broth, onion, garlic, lemon juice, salt, sugar, parsley, pepper, and thyme.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1-1 1/2 hours or until the peas are soft.
• While the peas are cooking, combine the barley with 6 cups of water in a saucepan.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1-1 1/2 hours or until the barley is soft and most of the water has been absorbed.
• When the split pea mixture has become a thick soup, use a handheld blender to puree the peas until the mixture is smooth.
• A standard blender or food processor may also be used to puree the soup in batches.
• This step may also be omitted.
• Drain the the remaining water from the barley and add the barley to the split pea mixture.
• Add the carrots and celery and continue to simmer the soup for 15 to 30 minutes or until the carrots are tender, stirring occasionally.
• Turn off the heat, cover the soup, and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
• Garnish each serving with the snipped green onion.