Split Pea and Vegetable Soup

This is the best soup! My family loves to chow down and always asks for seconds. Freezes very well so make a double batch.

1 Tbs oil
2 short ribs
12 cups water
1 onion, chopped
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
4 celery stalks, sliced
1 leek, washed well, white and pale green parts only, sliced
1/4 cup fresh chopped dill
3 small mushrooms, chopped
1 3/4 cups dried yellow split peas
1/3 cup pearl barley
3 chicken boullion cubes
1 cup chicken stock

heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the meat and sear for 5 minutes on each side. Then add the water to the meat, add all the rest of the ingredients, bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 2 hours. Stir every so often to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Yield : 10-12 servings