* cut into 1/2" chunks ���������

��������� ������ 1. Sort peas, discarding

any debris. Rinse peas; drain, and set aside. 2. In a 5-6 quart pan over high heat, combine celery, onion, lamb, garlic, bay leaf, and 1/2 cup water. Cover and simmer rapidly for 10 minutes. Uncover, turn heat to high, and stir often until browned bits stick in pan. Deglaze by adding 1/3 cup water and stirring to scrape browned bits free. Stir often until liquid evaporates and browned bits form again. Repeat deglazing step several more times until vegeta

bles are a rich brown, about 30 minutes total. 3. To pan, add split peas and 7 cups chicken broth; bring to a boil on high heat. Cover an

d simmer until peas mash easily, about 1 hour. 4. Discard bay leaf. (You can chill soup atthis step, and continue the next day.) Transfer 3 cups soup (but no meat) to a blender or food processor. Whirl until smoothly pureed. Return to pan. For thinner soup, add more broth. Stir on high heat until hot.