Small Batch Pea Soup

I've been cutting way back on recipes ever since my sons moved out and it works well for me (Earl really doesn't eat much:@) This is a soup I can make with pantry items year round adding ham if I have it, or changing it up with some barley if I feel like it. You can make a hearty vegetarian dish using barley and either vegetable stock/base or just water. Sometimes I add whole frozen peas at the end for crunch.

I'm using my ♥4 quart electronic pressure cooker from QVC♥ mentioned before that I love it! This soup will be done in 20 minutes cooking time, about 35 minutes total. If you don't have a PC simply make it on the stove in a 2-2.5 quart covered pot, adding extra water if you need to.

Ingredients:

Earl would be optional, but not recommended... he's kinda high maintenance:@)

Pea Soup-Small Batch, two bowls
1/2 C dry split peas (sorted)

Barley, a handful-optional

1 1/2 C water-2 C if using barley

1 1/2 tsp Chicken Better Than Bouillon

1/2 tsp olive oil
1/3 C onion, chopped

1 stalk celery, sliced

1 carrot, peeled and cut into thicker slices

1 clove garlic, diced

couple shakes of celery seed

Ground pepper

Ham, diced-optional

Tblsp butter

Milk, approx 1/8 to 1/4 C per bowl

1. Put peas, barley (if using) water, chicken base and olive oil in PC. Cook on high for 15 minutes.
2. Release pressure using the quick release method.
3. Add onion, celery, carrot, garlic, celery seed, pepper and ham if using. Cook on high for 3 minutes for firmer veggies, or 4 minutes for softer veggies.
4. Release pressure using the quick release method.
5. Stir in butter. At this point you will have approx 2 cups of pea soup. You can either add milk to the whole batch, approx 1/4 to 1/2 C (or more to your desired thickness), or split the peas into two bowls, eating one and cooling and freezing the other. 
6. After freezing, thaw and heat, then add the milk and serve.
7. If cooking on the stove, mix everything except butter and milk, cook gently till peas are soft stirring occasionally-approx 1 hour. Add butter and milk at the end.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)