Classic Comfort: Split Pea Soup with Ham

This classic split pea soup with ham is the epitome of comfort food. With its rich and flavorful broth, tender split peas, and chunks of smoky ham, it's the perfect meal for a chilly day. This recipe is easy to make and yields a delicious soup that will warm you from the inside out. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried split peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cups diced ham
• 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Rinse the split peas under cold water and remove any debris. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Saute until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced ham to the pot and cook for another 3 minutes, until heated through.
4. Add the split peas, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
6. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree about half of the soup until smooth. This will give the soup a thick and creamy texture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add more broth or water to adjust the thickness of the soup.
8. Serve hot with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy!

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