BESTEST HAMBURGER SOUP

 INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs ground beef

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon oregano

1/4 teaspoon basil

1/8 teaspoon seasoning salt

1 (2 ounce) package onion soup mix (for 3 or 4 servings)

6 cups boiling water

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 cup celery, sliced

1/4 cup celery leaves

1 cup sliced carrot

1/3 cup dried split peas

1 cup elbow macaroni

grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1 In a large saucepan, brown meat, drain excess fat.

2 Add salt, pepper, oregano, basil, seasoned salt, and onion soup mix.

3 Stir in boiling water, tomato sauce, and soy sauce.

4 Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.

5 Meanwhile, prepare celery, celery leaves, and carrots; Then add to simmering mixture with split peas and continue to cook for 30 minutes.

6 Add macaroni and simmer for 30 minutes longer, adding more water if necessary and stirring occasionally.

7 Serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese over individual servings.

8 To freeze: place soup in a rigid container and freeze. To reheat: remove from freezer and thaw. Place soup in saucepan and heat, stirring, until hot.