Split-Pea Soup with Portobellos

• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 4 tablespoons olive oil
2. 2 carrots, chopped
3. 2 onions, chopped
4. 2 ribs celery, chopped
5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1 2/3 cups green split peas
7. 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
8. 9 cups water
9. 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
10. 1 bay leaf
11. 2 teaspoons salt
12. 1 pound portobello mushrooms, stems removed, caps cut into 1/2-inch dice
13. 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan
14. 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over moderate heat. Add the carrots, onions, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the split peas, parsley, water, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook at a low boil, covered, until the peas are almost tender, about 35 minutes. Add 1 3/4 teaspoons of the salt and simmer 5 minutes longer. Remove the bay leaf.
3. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick frying pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over moderately high heat. Add the mushrooms and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook until the mushrooms brown, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the mushrooms to the soup and bring back to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan and pepper.