Hamburger Soup

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (or not)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon basil
1 package onion soup mix
6 cups boiling water
1 - 8 ounce can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 cup celery (sliced thin)
1/4 cup celery leaves chopped
1 cup carrots slice thin
1/3 cup dried split peas
1 cup macaroni
Grated parmesan cheese

In a large saucepan or kettle brown the hamburger in the oil. Add the salt, pepper, oregano, basil and onion soup mix. Stir in the boiling water, tomato sauce and soy sauce. Cover tightly and simmer over low heat for 15 - 20 minutes. While this is cooking slice celery, celery leaves and carrots, add these along with the split peas to the simmering mixture and continue cooking for about 30 minutes (add more water if needed). Cook until vegetables are cooked through – check the dried peas for doneness. For each bowl served sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. This makes 6 to 8 servings.