Turkey pea soup

2 cups split peas, rinsed in cold water
1/2 cup chopped low fat smoked turkey sausage
1/2 cup onions, chopped
1/4 cup celery, chopped
1/4 cup carrots, chopped
8 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups cooked turkey meat
2 bay leaves
1 t Tabasco
fresh ground black pepper

1. Soak the split peas in a large bowl covered with cold water for 8 hours. Drain the peas and discard the water.
2. Preheat a large soup pot. Add the turkey sausage, onions, celery, and carrot. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are lightly browned.
3. Add the broth, potatoes, split peas, turkey meat, bay leaves, Tabasco, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour or until the peas are tender.
4. If you like creamy soup, puree half of the soup in a food processor or blender. Return to the soup pot, bring to a boil to blend, and then serve.